Statue of Oliver Cromwell at Westminster Hall
A commanding bronze tribute to Oliver Cromwell, standing outside Westminster Hall as a symbol of Britain’s turbulent 17th-century history and contested legacy.
Situated outside Westminster Hall in London, the Statue of Oliver Cromwell is a 3.7-meter bronze figure designed by Victorian sculptor Hamo Thornycroft and erected in 1899. It commemorates the controversial 17th-century Lord Protector, depicting him in a long coat with a sword and Bible, reflecting his complex legacy as both a defender of parliamentary liberty and a divisive historical figure.
A brief summary to Statue of Oliver Cromwell
- 2 St Margaret St, London, SW1P 3JX, GB
- +442076416000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to experience the statue with fewer crowds and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of Westminster Hall surroundings.
- Combine your visit with nearby historic sites such as Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament for a comprehensive historical tour.
- Take a moment to observe the lion couchant on the pedestal, a symbolic detail often overlooked by visitors.
- Be aware of the statue’s controversial history and the debates it continues to inspire, enriching your understanding of British history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Westminster Underground station on the Jubilee, District, or Circle lines, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the statue. Trains run frequently, and the station is well equipped for accessibility. A single journey fare costs around £2.50 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including routes 11, 24, and 148, stop near Westminster. Travel times vary between 15-25 minutes from central London locations. Buses accept contactless payments and Oyster cards, with fares around £1.75 per trip.
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Walking
From nearby landmarks such as Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament, the statue is accessible via flat, paved paths in about 5-7 minutes. The terrain is fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.
Statue of Oliver Cromwell location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Statue of Oliver Cromwell
A Monument Born of Controversy
The Statue of Oliver Cromwell stands prominently outside Westminster Hall, marking the tercentenary of his birth in 1899. Commissioned by former Prime Minister Lord Rosebery as a private initiative, the statue was crafted by Hamo Thornycroft, a leading Victorian sculptor and admirer of Cromwell. From its inception, the statue sparked intense debate, reflecting the polarizing nature of Cromwell’s legacy. Erected at a sensitive site near the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the statue's placement was contentious, given Cromwell’s historical role in the execution of King Charles I and the desecration of the Abbey.Artistic and Symbolic Features
The bronze statue stands approximately 3.7 meters tall atop a Portland stone base, portraying Cromwell clad in a long coat, holding a sword in one hand and a Bible in the other. This imagery captures the duality of Cromwell as both a military leader and a man of strong Puritan faith. A lion couchant adorns the pedestal, symbolizing strength and vigilance. Thornycroft’s work reflects a Victorian-era interpretation of Cromwell, emphasizing his role as a defender of constitutional liberties and parliamentary governance.Historical Context and Legacy
Oliver Cromwell was a central figure in the English Civil Wars (1643–1651), leading Parliamentary forces to victory and later serving as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland. His rule was marked by religious intolerance and military campaigns, notably the brutal invasion of Ireland. Despite being offered the crown, Cromwell refused kingship, instead ruling as a republican head of state until his death in 1658. His body was posthumously exhumed and desecrated after the monarchy’s restoration, underscoring the enduring controversies surrounding his figure.Contemporary Debates and Preservation
The statue has remained a focal point of debate, with calls for its removal resurfacing periodically, particularly due to Cromwell’s violent actions in Ireland and his authoritarian governance. Nevertheless, defenders argue for its retention as a reminder of complex history and the evolution of British constitutional monarchy. The statue was temporarily relocated after IRA bombings in the 1970s for safety but was reinstated near its original site.Visiting the Statue Today
Located at 2 St Margaret Street, London SW1P 3JX, the statue is accessible to the public year-round, though it is surrounded by busy government buildings and historical landmarks. Its imposing presence invites reflection on the turbulent 17th century and the enduring impact of Cromwell’s legacy on British history and identity.Legacy in Public Memory
The statue embodies the tensions between reverence and condemnation that define Cromwell’s place in history. It serves as a tangible link to debates about power, governance, and historical memory, encouraging visitors to engage with the complexities of the past rather than a simplified heroic narrative.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Oliver Cromwell
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A commanding bronze tribute to Oliver Cromwell, standing outside Westminster Hall as a symbol of Britain’s turbulent 17th-century history and contested legacy.
Westminster Hall
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10 Downing Street
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Westminster Abbey
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Bridge St
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Parliament Sq
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Jewel Tower
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Royal Court
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Boadicea and Her Daughters
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The Sanctuary
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Westminster Millennium Pier
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Westminster Pier
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Essential places to dine
Ma La Sichuan
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The Pem
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Caxton Grill
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OKAN South Bank
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Troia Southbank
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Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
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Colosseo Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Browns of London
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Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
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Custom Gifts By Jupiter
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Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
