Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue in Parliament Square
Honoring Millicent Garrett Fawcett, the first woman commemorated in Parliament Square, inspiring equality through her iconic statue and legacy.
The Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue, unveiled in 2018, stands in Parliament Square, London, as the first monument to a woman and the first sculpture by a woman there. Created by artist Gillian Wearing, it honors the pioneering suffragist leader who tirelessly campaigned for women's voting rights. The statue features Fawcett holding a banner inscribed with her famous quote, 'Courage calls to courage everywhere,' and is surrounded by a plinth etched with images of suffrage campaigners, symbolizing the collective struggle for equality.
A brief summary to Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue
- London, GB
- +442035986154
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed etchings on the plinth and the surrounding flower beds in suffragist colors.
- Take time to read the inscription on the banner and the names etched into the plinth to understand the collective suffrage movement.
- Combine your visit with nearby Parliament Square landmarks such as the statues of Gandhi and Palmerston for a broader historical context.
- Attend on or around April 24th to commemorate the statue’s unveiling anniversary and the centenary of women’s suffrage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
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Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Westminster station on the Jubilee, Circle, or District lines, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to Parliament Square. The station is well-served but can be busy during peak hours. A standard single fare costs around £2.50 with contactless payment.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes, including 11, 24, 148, and 211, stop near Parliament Square. Travel time varies depending on traffic but typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes from central London areas. An Oyster card or contactless payment is required, with fares around £1.65 per journey.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Parliament Square is a pleasant option taking 10-20 minutes depending on your starting point. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Discover more about Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue
A Historic Milestone in Parliament Square
The Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue, unveiled on 24 April 2018, marks a historic first in Parliament Square, Westminster, London. It is the square’s first monument dedicated to a woman and notably the first sculpture there created by a female artist, Gillian Wearing. This bronze statue commemorates Dame Millicent Fawcett, a leading suffragist and social reformer whose lifelong dedication to women's rights culminated in the partial enfranchisement of women in 1918. The statue’s creation was driven by a campaign led by activist Caroline Criado Perez, who highlighted the absence of female representation among the square’s statues and successfully petitioned city authorities and the UK government to commission this landmark memorial.Design and Symbolism of the Statue
The statue depicts Fawcett as a poised figure in her fifties, the age when she became President of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). She holds a banner bearing the inscription “Courage calls to courage everywhere,” a quote from a speech she delivered after the death of fellow suffragette Emily Wilding Davison. This banner was carefully redesigned after feedback to avoid unintended interpretations, with Fawcett’s hands repositioned to the corners of the sign. The statue rests on a marble plinth etched with 59 images of men and women who actively supported the suffrage movement, emphasizing the collective nature of the campaign for women’s voting rights rather than focusing solely on one individual.Millicent Fawcett’s Legacy and Impact
Millicent Fawcett was a key figure in the constitutional women’s suffrage movement. Born in 1847, she married Henry Fawcett, a blind professor and MP, and together they supported women's education and rights. After her husband’s death, she intensified her activism, leading the NUWSS and advocating for peaceful lobbying efforts. Her work contributed to the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to some women over 30, and later to the Equal Franchise Act 1928, which established equal voting rights for men and women. Fawcett’s legacy is one of perseverance, leadership, and inspiring future generations in the ongoing fight for equality.The Statue’s Place Amongst London’s Monuments
Located at the west end of Parliament Square, the statue stands between those of Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, and Mahatma Gandhi, symbolically placing Fawcett among other historic leaders who fought for justice and reform. While Emmeline Pankhurst and other suffragette leaders are memorialized elsewhere in London, Fawcett’s statue uniquely represents the constitutional suffrage movement and the broader struggle for women’s rights. The planting around the statue features flowers in the suffragist colors of red, white, and green, further reinforcing its symbolic significance.Creation and Community Involvement
The statue’s commission was supported by the UK government’s Centenary Fund, commemorating 100 years since some women first gained the vote. Turner Prize-winning artist Gillian Wearing collaborated closely with historians and suffrage activists to ensure historical accuracy and meaningful representation. The unveiling ceremony was a multigenerational event reflecting the ongoing relevance of Fawcett’s work, attended by government officials, activists, and schoolchildren. The statue not only celebrates a pivotal figure but also serves as a memorial to the many individuals who contributed to the suffrage movement.Continuing Inspiration and Educational Value
The Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue stands as a powerful reminder of the struggle for women’s rights and the importance of civic engagement. It encourages reflection on the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving equality. The statue’s presence in the heart of London’s political district underscores the significance of representation and the impact of determined activism. Visitors can appreciate both the artistic merit of the sculpture and the rich history it embodies, making it a meaningful destination for those interested in social justice and British history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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Location Audience
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