MARTYRS MEMORIAL

The Martyrs’ Memorial, the stone monument, is located in Oxford, England. This iconic memorial was completed in 1843. The Martyr’s Memorial is situated where Broad Road meets St Giles and is similar to an ornate church spire. This long tower honors the deaths of the martyrs of the English Reformation.

The monument is carved from stone in a very detailed manner, with three figures nestled into the niches. These are the Anglican bishops Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer, Ridley facing east, Latimer facing west, and Cranmer facing north. The figures are a lighter color than the monument body and are carved from Caen stone obtained from Canterbury Cathedral. The monument’s body is carved from magnesian limestone.

The monuments were sculptured by one of the most successful British sculptors, Henry Weekes, and the monument’s design was inspired by Eleanor Crosses Edward I erected. These three men affirmed their belief in Christ and the gospel and their martyrdom was their confession of faith in the gospel. It was said that the memorial underwent a poor state of repair at the beginning of the 20th century and was revived by Oxford City Council and the Oxford Preservation Trust. 

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Highlights

• The detailing of the architecture of the building would entice you to know more about it.
• The memorial is made up of several stages, the base of the memorial is raised upon hexagonal steps.
• The second stage of the Martyrs’ memorial consists of three alcoves within which stand the statues of the martyrs: Thomas Cranmer, Thomas Ridley, and Hugh Latimer.
• The largest, the lower stage is made up of blind Gothic windows, with painted shields of arms, and minor repeating sculptural detailing, solid and blocky overall. 
• Find the fascinating architecture in one of the most beautiful places to see in Oxford.