John Donne Memorial

The John Donne Memorial is a bronze bust sculpture created by artist Nigel Boonham, positioned in the garden south of St Paul's Cathedral. The work depicts a thoughtful portrait of the poet and is oriented eastward toward the location of his birth.

The memorial was commissioned by the City of London in 2012 as the first public tribute to the poet, who served as Dean of St Paul's Cathedral. This installation honored his significant role in the cathedral's history and his lasting literary legacy.

The inscription features verses that reflect the poet's exploration of themes touching on mortality and existence, which define his metaphysical poetry. These words invite visitors to pause and consider the deeper meaning of his literary work.

The sculpture is located in the garden south of St Paul's Cathedral and is accessible during daylight hours year-round. The site is easy to reach on foot and offers a quiet spot to pause amid the surrounding cityscape.

The memorial is deliberately oriented toward the east, creating a physical connection between the sculptor's representation and Bread Street, where the poet was born. This thoughtful alignment gives the work a subtle geometric meaning that visitors often overlook.

Location: City of London

Inception: 2012

Creator: Nigel Boonham

Made from material: bronze

Part of: list of public art in the City of London

GPS coordinates: 51.51330,-0.09739

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05