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Parliament Square - in the heart of Westminster. On its green are 11 statues, but as Londoners, do we ever stop to look at them? How many of them can you name?
As I regularly run through Parliament Square on two of our running tours, I thought I'd set you a challenge...
Match up each statue with the name and the correct description below. There are 12 names and 12 descriptions for the 11 statues, just in case it was too easy. A point for every correct name and description linked to a statue. 22 up for grabs!
Names:
a. Abraham Lincoln
b. Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
c. Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby
d. David Lloyd George
e. Mahatma Ghandi
f. William Ewart Gladstone
g. George Canning
h. Winston Churchill
i. Nelson Mandala
j. Robert Peel
k. Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston
l. Jan Smuts
Descriptions:
i. The leader of the Indian Independence Movement in British-ruled India, finally succeeding in 1947. He was assassinated in 1948 by a Hindu nationalist. His birthday, 2nd October, is celebrated as national holiday in India, and around the world, it is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.
ii. Manchester-born, Welsh-raised, liberal British Prime Minister. He became Prime Minister towards the end of WWI and was Britain's main representative drafting the Treaty of Versailles at the Paris Peace Conference. He resigned in 1922 following his involvement in a knighthood-selling scandal.
iii. Conservaitive British Prime Minister, serving twice (1834-5 and 1841-6). He is known as the father of the modern British Police. The early nicknames of police officers, 'Peelers' and 'Bobbies' are somewhat linked to this gentleman!
iv. Became the16th President of his country in 1861 and led it through civil war. One of his greatest achievements was abolishing slavery in his country. He was assassinated in 1865.
v. Born half Italian, half Jew. If his father hadn't baptised his children as Christain, this man wouldn't have been able to become Prime Minister. Twice. Because Jews were not allowed in Parliament until 1858. This man is known as one of the forming members of the modern Conservative Party.
vi. The second South African Prime Minister, British statesmen, military leader, philosopher. He is the only man to have signed the peace treaties following both world wars and was heavily involved in the founding of the RAF. Though for most of his life he was a strong supporter of segregation in South Africa, he eventually did an about-turn and was pushed out of office by hard-line Apartheid supporters.
vii. In office for just 119 days, this man boasts the shortest stint a Prime Minster has ever served in Britain. The Duke of Wellington refused to serve under this man, and went on to succeed him when he died.
viii. An anti-apartheid hero, who fought to reverse racism in South Africa. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for founding a militant group and charged with conspiracy to overthrow the government. Released after 27 years, he was elected first President of South Africa, following the country's first fully democratic election in 1994.
ix. British Prime Minister from 1940 to 1945 and 1951 to 1955. An officer in the army, a writer, Nobel Prize in Literature winner, an artist, historian and honorary citizen of the United States (one of only eight).
x. Liberal Prime Minister, serving four times between 1868 and 1894. The oldest man to be Prime Minister (84), his supporters affectionally referred to him as G.O.M. (Grand Old Man). His big rival, Benjamin Disraeli, interpreted the nickname as 'God's Only Mistake.'
xi. The longest-serving leader of the Conservative Party. Although he was Prime Minister on three separate occassions, he only spent three years and two hundred and eighty days as Prime Minister.
xii. Nicknamed "Pam" and the "Mongoose" he was the first Prime Minster of the then newly formed Liberal Party. Prior to this, he was well known for his work as Foreign Secretary, handling Britain's overseas affairs at the height of the empire.
The statues:
(Starting off at the edge nearest Westminster Abbey and going clockwise).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Have you written your answers down?
E.g. Statue 1, Name a, Description (i)
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE ANSWERS
DON'T CHEAT
Whilst you're scrolling, I might as well fill some space and make sure you really are ready for the answers. I'll tell you about the beautiful running tours from Secret London Runs that pass through Parliament Square.
The first? Riches, Royals & Rumours - it's one of Secret Running Tours, showing you the darker history lying beneath the glittering facades of Westminster. It's 7km, with lots of stops on the way so accessible for all abilities.
Must-see Royal London - a sightseeing tour, cramming as many top attractions into a 3km running tour as we can. It's the shortest tour we do, can be jogged (or power walked) very gently and is set to be a highlight of your trip. It's also easily extendible if you would like a longer run and to see more of royal London.
KEEP SCROLLING FOR THE ANSWERS
Answers:
Statue 1, e. Mahatma Ghandi, description i.
Statue 2, i. Nelson Mandala, description viii.
Statue 3, a. Abraham Lincoln, description iv.
Statue 4, g. George Canning, description vii.
Statue 5, j. Robert Peel, description iii.
Statue 6, b. Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, description v.
Statue 7, c. Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, description xi.
Statue 8, k. Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, xii.
Statue 9, l. Jan Smuts, description vi.
Statue 10, d. David Lloyd George, description ii.
Statue 11, h. Winston Churchill, ix.
So Gladstone (Grand Old Man) isn't in Parliament Square.
We'd love to know how many you go right! Let us know in our Facebook group.