Statue of Alfred the Great, Bronze statue in Trinity Church Square, London
Description
The Statue of Alfred the Great is a bronze monument on a stone pedestal in Trinity Church Square in Southwark, London. The figure shows the king holding a sword and scroll and stands about 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall.
History
The monument was erected in 1901 when the country marked the thousandth anniversary of the death of Alfred the Great, who ruled as an Anglo-Saxon king from 871 to 899. The statue recalls his defense against Viking raids and his reforms in education.
Culture
The king appears in medieval dress and wears a crown, while the sword points to his role as defender of the realm. The text on the scroll recalls his efforts to promote learning and literacy in early England.
Practical
The square lies close to Borough High Street and is easy to reach by public transport. The gardens around the statue are accessible during the day and offer a quiet spot for a short rest.
Did you know?
The monument was originally intended for Westminster Palace but was eventually placed in Southwark, where fewer visitors know about it. The square is one of the few Georgian garden spaces in this part of London that remain in their original layout.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (London Borough of Southwark).
Inner London Crown Court
216 m
St George the Martyr
272 m
Henry Wood Hall
32 m
The Roebuck
221 m
Merrick Square
139 m
Joseph Lancaster Primary School
398 m
Goose And Firkin Public House
417 m
Trinity Arms Public House
70 m
25 And 27, Crosby Row
423 m
Numbers 23-29 And Attached Railings
85 m
Number 22 And Attached Railings
62 m
Numbers 45-68 And Attached Railings
36 m
Numbers 4, 10, 12 And 18 And Attached Railings
210 m
62, Borough Road
347 m
Hanover House
388 m
K2 Telephone Kiosk At Junction With Greater Dover Street
202 m
26 And 28, Cole Street
73 m
19, Tabard Street
251 m
177, Borough High Street
417 m
Wall Forming North Boundary Of Public Gardens, Formerly St Georges Churchyard
336 m
Numbers 16-22 And Attached Railings
88 m
Numbers 25-47 And Attached Railings
115 m
Numbers 32-42 And Attached Railings
198 m
Numbers 1-15 And Attached Railings
77 m
2-12, Trinity Street
123 m
K2 Telephone Kiosk To North East Of The Henry Wood Hall
19 m
Numbers 30-44 And Attached Railings
50 m
Surrey Dispensary
210 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes