The Bermondsey Lion

The Bermondsey Lion is a bronze sculpture created by Kevin Boys, positioned at the Blue in the neighborhood. The work displays traditional lion characteristics and commands attention in the street-level urban environment.

The sculpture references Bermondsey Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that once occupied land near Tower Bridge Road and shaped the area for centuries. It represents the continuity of this historical presence from medieval times into the modern neighborhood.

The sculpture serves as a visual reference to the neighborhood's past, with residents and visitors regularly gathering near its location as part of the local streetscape. Its presence marks an important point in how the area identifies itself today.

The sculpture is easily accessible on foot and located in an active area with good connections via multiple bus routes. Bermondsey Underground Station serves as the nearest public transport link.

The inscription features the Latin phrase 'Prosunt Gentibus Artes', meaning 'Arts Profit the People', drawn from the former Rotherhithe vestry. This connection reveals how local ideals have echoed across the neighborhood's boundaries.