Medieval values

I greatly enjoyed the History Extra podcast Lionheart of Stone: the Medieval Statue Debate (released 17 July) which highlighted the lack of discussion of medieval figures in current debates about historical statues, and explored the ways in which they represent the past and their relevance today. Dr Simon John suggests that the 19thcentury statue of 12th-century crusader-king Richard I outside of parliament in London (below left) is a symbol of Englishness: chivalry, monarchical authority and Christianity. I found it fascinating how John highlights the void between this idea of ‘Englishness’ and the reality of the diversity of the people of England and, more accurately, Great Britain that our parliament represents. As a medievalist, I think the Lionheart statue is a beautiful piece of art and symbolism. But is it still relevant to our values today? Should we bring statues of medieval figures more into the debate?

I asked these questions of my Instagram followers (@molly_the_ historian) and received comments about Richard I and the uneasy topic of the crusades. When I asked whether statues of medieval figures should be included in the current debate, I was surprised that 77 per cent of people said no. Perhaps more surprising – but arguably more reassuring for medievalists like myself – is that, when asked whether the statue of Richard I should remain outside parliament, 92 per cent said yes! Therefore, although the podcast was highly enjoyable, I think it’s safe to say that parliament’s Richard I is safe from becoming like the Colston statue.

Molly Anderson, history undergraduate at Lancaster University, Hertfordshire

We reward the Letter of the Month writer with a copy of a new history book. rhis issue, that is Sylvia Pankhurst: Natural Born Rebel by pachel Holmes. You can read our review of the book on page T4