Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue
A Victorian bronze tribute to Bermondsey's first mayor and leather manufacturing dynasty.
A Grade II listed bronze statue commemorating Colonel Samuel Bourne Bevington, the first Mayor of Bermondsey and a prominent leather manufacturing industrialist. Erected in 1911 on Tooley Street, this Victorian-era monument celebrates a local philanthropist whose family shaped the industrial heritage of south London. The sculpture, created by renowned artist Sydney March, stands as a tribute to Bevington's contributions to the community and remains a notable landmark in the Bermondsey area.
A brief summary to Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue
- Stop K, Tower Bridge Rd, London, SE1 2UF, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for clearer photography and fewer crowds on nearby Tooley Street.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions including Tower Bridge (1 minute walk) and the Tower of London (3 minutes walk) for a comprehensive historical tour.
- The statue's triangular island setting provides a natural vantage point to observe the surrounding streetscape and appreciate its urban context.
- Learn about Bermondsey's industrial heritage by exploring the surrounding area, which retains echoes of its leather manufacturing past in its street names and architecture.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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London Underground
Tower Hill station (District and Circle lines) is approximately 400 metres away, requiring a 5–7 minute walk. Exit towards Tower Bridge Road and follow signs to Tooley Street. London Bridge station (Jubilee and Northern lines) is approximately 350 metres away, also accessible within 5–7 minutes by walking south along Tooley Street.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area, including routes 15, 42, 78, and 100, which stop on or near Tower Bridge Road and Tooley Street. Journey times from central London vary between 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Single fares cost approximately £1.75 with contactless payment.
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Walking
The statue is accessible on foot from Tower Bridge (1 minute walk), the Tower of London (3 minutes walk), and London Bridge station (5–7 minutes walk). The route is flat, well-lit, and follows busy pedestrian thoroughfares with clear pavements and crossing points.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop passengers at Stop K on Tower Bridge Road, directly adjacent to the statue. Typical fares from central London range from £8–20 depending on origin. No dedicated parking is available at the statue itself, though nearby car parks exist within 2–3 minutes' walk.
Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue
A Monument to Bermondsey's Industrial Pioneer
The Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue stands as a Grade II listed bronze memorial on Tooley Street, erected on 18 March 1911 to honour one of Bermondsey's most influential figures. Colonel Samuel Bourne Bevington (1832–1907) was far more than a local dignitary—he was a member of the prominent Bevington family, whose leather manufacturing and tannery operations defined the industrial character of south London throughout the 19th century. As the first Mayor of Bermondsey, Bevington embodied the civic pride and entrepreneurial spirit that transformed this riverside district into a thriving commercial hub.Craftsmanship and Artistic Vision
The statue was sculpted by Sydney March (1876–1941), a celebrated British artist, bronze founder, and painter whose work shaped the public monuments of his era. March was a Royal Academy Schools graduate who won a silver medal for sculptural excellence in his first year of study. The bronze casting was undertaken at Goddendene foundry, where March pioneered innovative techniques in metal work. Contemporary sketches by R.J. Angel, Bermondsey Borough Surveyor, document the dramatic process of casting—showing March himself at the mouth of the furnace, directing molten bronze through channels into the statue's sand mould. This technical mastery is evident in the statue's enduring quality and the precision of its detail.The Bevington Legacy in Leather and Commerce
Samuel Bourne Bevington inherited a dynasty built on leather manufacturing, an industry that once dominated Bermondsey's economy. The Bevington family's tanneries and leather works factories were instrumental in establishing the area as a centre of industrial production. Beyond his business acumen, Bevington was a philanthropist whose generosity and civic engagement earned him widespread respect. His role as the first Mayor of Bermondsey reflected the community's recognition of his leadership and commitment to local welfare. The statue thus serves as a physical reminder of the individuals whose vision and enterprise shaped London's industrial past.Location and Urban Context
Situated on a triangular island bordered by Tooley Street and Tower Bridge Road, the statue occupies a prominent position in one of London's most historically significant neighbourhoods. The location places it within easy reach of major landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the riverside paths that trace the Thames. Bermondsey's transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a vibrant mixed-use district has preserved this monument as a tangible link to its heritage. The statue's placement on a public thoroughfare ensures it remains visible to both residents and visitors, maintaining Bevington's memory within the contemporary urban landscape.Heritage Status and Conservation
The statue's Grade II listing recognises its historical and artistic significance within London's architectural heritage. This designation protects the bronze memorial from demolition or inappropriate alteration, ensuring that future generations can appreciate both its sculptural qualities and its role as a historical document. The listing reflects the statue's importance not only as a work of art but as a testament to Bermondsey's industrial heritage and the individuals who shaped the district's identity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Location Audience
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