History Set in Stone: Church, Power and Empire
History Set in Stone: Church, Power and Empire
Students discover how monuments at St Paul’s Cathedral can inform understanding of the British Empire and its influence and impact on the wider world.
Students' skills in critical and reflective thinking can be built upon by engaging with art and poetry via the 50 Monuments in 50 Voices project, and through discussion and creative response activities. Our History Set in Stone visit provides opportunities for students to share opinions and feelings around the national conversation taking place about public monuments and contested history.
Here students share their responses to the monuments at St Paul’s Cathedral in their own words and reflect on some of the artistic contributions they connected with on their visit.
Monument to Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) by John Bacon the Elder, 1795.
Student Reflection - Norbury School for Girls, Year 10
Still Standing by Victor Ehikhamenor was displayed in St Paul's Cathedral from 17th February to 14th May 2022 and has since been acquired by the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.
Upon reflection which monument discussed on your visit to St Paul’s had the most impact on you and why?
'The monument that had the most impact on me was probably the statue of Samuel Johnson because his life and mindset was so inspiring - he lived in a day and age which was so very full of negativity and things that nowadays we would look back on and feel ashamed about but the way he lived his life showed me that no matter what environment you are in you can still be the person to spread kindness. He was also so ahead of his time - he talked about equality and had a lot of knowledge about the world and the quote in which he said “There are, in every age, new errors to be rectified, and new prejudices to be opposed.” really inspired me and enlightened me to just how much our human race has evolved and the fact that we still need to work hard to fix our mistakes.'
Upon reflection which artist’s work discussed on your visit to St Paul’s had the most impact on you and why?
'The textiles piece of art based off the King that was called “Still Standing” really impacted me because it showed that even the powerless can have power and the weak can still be strong. That really empowered me, and it is a really strong and valuable message that everyone can take and learn from.'
What is your take on the national conversation happening about monuments in our public spaces?
'Many people are taking monuments down of people who we used to see as influential but have also done pretty horrible things in their lives. History is a constantly moving train and the fact that people’s views and ideas change over time makes sense to me.'
Who would you like to see remembered this way in the future and why?
'I think I would like to see Nikola Tesla remembered in a way where people give him credit for all of his achievements because over time he and many others have gone unnoticed for all of the achievements they have made and the work they have done.'
Visit with your school
Come and explore St Paul’s Cathedral with your own dedicated and knowledgeable member of the Schools and Family Learning team. We can tailor our curriculum-focussed sessions to ensure that it engages your students and supports your work back in the classroom.
A guided tour gives you access to everything from handling objects and taking part in fun activities, to exploring behind the scenes of the Cathedral.
