As curious onlookers gathered, actors in period costume shared the story of Lord Shaftesbury (1801 – 1885), transporting Londoners and tourists back in time. The living history performance formed part of our inaugural Shaftesbury Day celebrations, marking 141 years since the death of our founder and namesake.
Shaftesbury Day
1 October marks a special day in the calendar. It’s a day to honour Lord Shaftesbury’s legacy and shine a light on his life’s work that continues to this day.
For our Shaftesbury Day celebrations this year, the past met with the present. In central London, the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, posed with an actor playing his ancestor, Lord Shaftesbury at the iconic London landmark built in his honour.
Victorian past meets present
Londoners and tourists alike were transported back to Victorian times with a tribute to mark 141 years to the day since Lord Shaftesbury’s death and 200 years since he first became an MP. Actors in Victorian costume brought to life his remarkable story beside the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at Piccadilly Circus. This famous London landmark with its iconic winged statue of Anteros (commonly referred to as Eros) symbolises Lord Shaftesbury’s selfless public service and Christian charity. As a pioneering social reformer he alleviated the suffering of some of the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
Unveiled in 1893, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain was paid for by Londoners themselves to commemorate the ‘Poor Man’s Earl’ who brought about so much change in his lifetime. Hundreds of thousands turned out for his funeral and a public campaign subsequently raised funds for the national memorial in his honour.
The legacy – our work today
Our founder’s belief in better lives, lives on today in the opportunity and belonging that are part of everyday life in Shaftesbury services. And as a Vice-Patron of the charity, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, champions people with disabilities and shares in his ancestor’s vision for a more inclusive society.
After watching the performance, tourists, locals and some of the Shaftesbury community stayed for selfies that bridged the centuries. A surreal but joyous moment was captured as the current Earl of Shaftesbury posed with his ancestor.
A highlight of the day was the arrival of people we support. Brian and Katrina from Shaftesbury Bradbury Court were also among guests who attended a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 7th Earl at Westminster Abbey later that day. Katrina did a reading, along with our CEO, Sally Chivers and the 12th Earl, who later said:
“Shaftesbury Day reminds us of the profound impact one person’s vision and commitment can have on future generations. Shaftesbury’s work continues to be shaped by my ancestor’s founding principles and it’s important to me that his extraordinary contribution to society is not forgotten.”
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Shaftesbury Day such a memorable occasion.
A download of our Shaftesbury Day map is available here. See how many locations you can find or know, and if you visit any tag us on socials: @Shaftesburygroupuk.
(Featured image: Matthew and Kerry from Shaftesbury Anvil House meet ‘Lord Shaftesbury’)