Golden Boy of Pye Corner: A Unique Memorial of the Great Fire of London

Historical Significance and Origins

The Golden Boy of Pye Corner stands as a unique and somewhat mysterious monument commemorating the end point of the Great Fire of London in 1666. While the fire famously began on Pudding Lane, this gilded wooden statue marks where the fire was finally extinguished, at the junction of Giltspur Street and Cock Lane. The statue was originally affixed to the front of a 17th-century public house called The Fortune of War, which was demolished in 1910. Despite its association with the fire, the exact origins and date of the statue’s installation remain unclear, with some evidence suggesting it may have served as a shop sign before becoming a memorial.

A Moral Warning in the Form of a Cherub

The Golden Boy is notable for its rotund, cherubic figure, which was gilded in the 1800s. The statue is inscribed with a moral message blaming the Great Fire on the sin of gluttony, a reflection of the era’s tendency to interpret disasters as divine punishment. The inscription reads: “This Boy is in Memory Put up for the late FIRE of LONDON Occasion’d by the Sin of Gluttony.” This symbolism is reinforced by the fire’s start at Pudding Lane and its end at Pie (or Pye) Corner, linking food-related excess to the catastrophe. The boy’s exaggerated plumpness was meant to visually enforce this moral lesson.

Connection to The Fortune of War and Resurrectionists

The site’s history is further enriched by the role of The Fortune of War public house, once notorious as a gathering place for resurrectionists—body snatchers who supplied corpses to surgeons at the nearby Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital for anatomical study. The pub displayed bodies in a back room, awaiting appraisal by medical professionals. This grim aspect of the location’s past contrasts sharply with the Golden Boy’s symbolic innocence, adding layers of social history to the site.

Location and Urban Context

Situated in a historically seedy part of London, the corner of Cock Lane and Giltspur Street was once known for its brothels and rough reputation. The Golden Boy remains embedded in the urban fabric, now mounted on a modern building but retaining its original 17th-century charm. The area, once called Pie Corner, was well known for its food stalls and markets, making the gluttony theme especially resonant. Today, the statue offers a quiet, reflective point amid the bustle of the City of London.

Artistic and Cultural Legacy

Though small, the Golden Boy is a distinctive example of public sculpture with a rich narrative. Its wooden form, gilded surface, and cherubic design make it visually striking. It stands as a rare surviving artifact linking London’s architectural, social, and moral history. The statue has inspired numerous historical discussions and remains a curious and evocative symbol of 17th-century London’s values and challenges.

Preservation and Visitor Experience

The Golden Boy is part of a Grade II listed building and is protected as a historic monument. Visitors can view it easily from the street, appreciating the detailed craftsmanship and reading the inscriptions that tell its story. Its location near St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Smithfield Market situates it within a rich historical district, inviting exploration of London’s layered past beyond the famous fire itself.