Joseph Sturge memorial

The Joseph Sturge Memorial is a limestone monument at Five Ways in Birmingham featuring a carved central figure in teaching stance holding a Bible. Two allegorical female figures stand beside him representing Peace with a dove and olive branch, and Charity attending to two children.

The monument was established in 1862 to honor a Quaker activist who had died decades earlier. It was placed near his former home and reflects the growing recognition of his contributions to social reform movements.

The memorial honors a Quaker social reformer whose work touched many areas of public life. The carved figures and inscriptions around the stone base speak to ideals that guided his activism in multiple causes.

The memorial is publicly accessible at a central intersection in Birmingham and easy to reach on foot. Visitors can view the carved details and inscriptions from street level, and the site remains open to the public throughout the day.

The words Charity, Temperance and Peace are inscribed around the base, forming a visual statement of core ideals. These three terms encapsulate the main causes that occupied the life and work of the person being commemorated.

Location: Birmingham

Creator: John Thomas

Made from material: Portland limestone

Operator: Birmingham City Council

Website: http://birmingham.gov.uk/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=SystemAdmin%2FPageLayout&cid=1223092626075&packedargs=website%3D1&pagename=BCC%2FCommon%2FWrapper%2FWrapper&rendermode=live

GPS coordinates: 52.47223,-1.91925

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40