John Wilkes Statue, Fetter Lane
A striking bronze tribute to 18th-century radical John Wilkes, standing quietly at a City of London crossroads, capturing his famous squint and legacy of liberty.
Standing at the junction of Fetter Lane and New Fetter Lane in London, this 1988 bronze statue honours John Wilkes, the fiery 18th-century politician, MP, and Lord Mayor of London. Depicted in 18th-century dress as if delivering a speech, the statue captures Wilkes’s distinctive squint, a feature faithfully reproduced by sculptor James Butler. Located in the heart of the City, it’s a quiet but striking tribute to a controversial champion of liberty and press freedom, easily overlooked amid the surrounding legal and financial district.
A brief summary to John Wilkes statue
- Fetter Ln, London, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Look closely at the statue’s face to see the distinctive squint, a famous feature of John Wilkes that the sculptor faithfully reproduced.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest City crowds and to photograph the statue with softer light.
- Combine your visit with a walk through nearby legal landmarks like the Inns of Court and the Rolls Building to appreciate the historical context of Wilkes’s political and legal battles.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
From Chancery Lane Underground station (Central line), walk approximately 5 minutes through the legal district to reach the statue at the junction of Fetter Lane and New Fetter Lane.
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Walking
From the Strand or Fleet Street, walk east along Fetter Lane; the statue is located at the junction with New Fetter Lane, about a 10-minute walk from Temple or Aldwych.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve nearby stops on Fleet Street and Aldwych; from there, follow signs towards the Inns of Court and walk a few minutes to Fetter Lane.
John Wilkes statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about John Wilkes statue
A Champion of Liberty in Bronze
This life-size bronze statue, unveiled in 1988, commemorates John Wilkes, one of the most colourful and controversial figures in 18th-century British political life. Wilkes was a radical MP, journalist, magistrate, and later Lord Mayor of London, known for his fierce advocacy of civil liberties, freedom of the press, and parliamentary reform. The statue shows him standing upright in 18th-century gentleman’s attire, as if reading from a script or preparing to deliver a speech, capturing his role as a fiery orator and political agitator. The work was commissioned by modern admirers of Wilkes and sculpted by James Butler, whose realistic portrayal includes Wilkes’s famous squint, a detail often noted as a distinctive and memorable feature of the piece.History and Controversy
The statue stands at the junction of Fetter Lane and New Fetter Lane, a historically rich area once associated with lawyers, printers, and radical political thought. Wilkes himself was a polarising figure: celebrated by many as a champion of English freedom, yet also criticised for actions such as ordering troops to fire on crowds during the Gordon Riots while defending the Bank of England. His career included imprisonment for libel, exile, and multiple electoral battles, making him a symbol of both democratic struggle and political pragmatism. The inscription on the plinth notes that the memorial was erected by admirers and unveiled in October 1988 by Dr James Cope, reflecting a modern reassessment of Wilkes’s complex legacy.Design and Detail
James Butler’s statue is a traditional, figurative bronze work set on a stone plinth in a small paved area at the top of Sermon Lane. Wilkes is depicted in a poised, slightly formal stance, wearing a coat, waistcoat, and breeches typical of the late 1700s, with a tricorne hat tucked under one arm. The face is carefully modelled to reproduce Wilkes’s characteristic squint, a detail that has become a talking point for those who look closely. The plinth bears the dedication: “This Memorial Statue Was Erected By Admirers And Unveiled in October 1988 by Dr James Cope,” and a separate plaque nearby records that the statue was later rededicated as a memorial to firefighters who died in the line of duty, with the plinth height increased and the work moved to its current location in 2003.Context in the City
Today, the statue occupies a quiet corner of the City of London, surrounded by legal offices, courts, and financial institutions, including the nearby Rolls Building and historic legal inns. Fetter Lane itself has a long history as a street associated with lawyers and printers, and it was once the site of the Fetter Lane Society, an early Methodist group that included John Wesley. The statue’s placement here links Wilkes’s legacy of legal and political struggle with the enduring institutions of law and governance in the City. It’s a modest but thoughtful monument, easily missed by passers-by yet rich in historical resonance for those interested in Britain’s political and civic history.Visiting the Statue
The John Wilkes statue is freely accessible at all times, standing in a small public space at the junction of Fetter Lane and New Fetter Lane. It’s best appreciated up close, where the details of the face and costume can be studied, and where the inscriptions on the plinth can be read. The surrounding area is busy with City workers during the day, but quieter in the evenings and weekends, offering a more contemplative atmosphere. There are no dedicated visitor facilities at the statue itself, but nearby streets provide seating, cafes, and public toilets, making it a convenient stop on a walk through the legal and historic heart of London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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Madison
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Punch & Judy
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Store X
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Smithfield Market
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SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
