Statue of Thomas Becket

The Statue of Thomas Becket by Edward Bainbridge Copnall stands in St Paul's Churchyard facing the cathedral in a meditative pose. The work is fashioned from tinted resin designed to resemble traditional bronze without using metal casting methods.

The statue was created in 1973 and commemorates Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in 1170 after disputes with King Henry II. Following his death, Becket was canonized and his legacy shaped centuries of understanding about church authority in England.

The work honors an archbishop whose death became a pivotal moment for how people understood religious authority in England. Visitors standing here can sense the convergence of sacred memory and public space in the heart of the city.

The sculpture sits in an open courtyard and is freely accessible during daylight hours. It works well as part of a walking route around St Paul's Cathedral, where you can discover related monuments and architectural features nearby.

The sculpture employs tinted resin instead of cast metal, an unconventional choice for outdoor public art. This material approach allowed the artist to achieve the bronze appearance while using an alternative production method.