Following several years of collaboration with local groups and academics, Canterbury Cathedral has published a review of its memorials and monuments, examining their history, the people and events they commemorate, and whether they are connected to enslavers or colonialism.
A comment by Dean David
In recent years we have become more conscious than ever of the way that the monuments and memorials in our Cathedral Church tell the stories of the powerful in our history and the victors in our wars. We are also more aware now that there are other stories; and that Jesus characteristically spoke of release for the captives and freedom for the oppressed.
The work presented in this review is just the beginning of identifying monuments in our heritage which need fresh interpretation – not to deny (for example) the bravery of those remembered, but to add to that side of the story the memory of those they fought against.
The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith
Dean of Canterbury
An ongoing process
The Cathedral remains open to further light being shed on its memorials and monuments, the people and events they commemorate, and historic sources of funding. Additional action or interpretation will be a possibility in the light of new information.
Get in touch
If you would like to comment on this report, or to submit relevant information about the Cathedral’s memorials and monuments, please email [email protected]