Sheffield Council to review all ‘lasting memorials’ in wake of 'Black Lives Matter' protests

Anti-racism protests have been taking place in the UK and around the world since last month following the death of US man George Floyd in police custody.

Protests in the UK last weekend led to a statue of slave trader Edward Colston being torn down by protesters in Bristol and dumped in the city’s harbour, while in London a monument depicting slaveholder Robert Milligan was removed by the council just days later.

Now Sheffield Council have said they too are reviewing all the ‘memorials, statues, monuments and other historically significant references’ in the city to make sure that they ‘reflect the values’ of its communities today.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at Sheffield Council said: “Sheffield has campaigned for and supported human rights and equality, including anti-slavery and anti-racism throughout history.

“Sites of remembrance proudly stand for those whose tireless efforts made a significant difference to black lives, including the grave of anti-slavery campaigner Mary Ann Rawson in Attercliffe’s Zion Graveyard, the fountain for James Montgomery who fought for the abolition of slavery, and Cabourn’s Corner from where George Cabourn led many marches against racism.

“However, there are many memorials, statues, monuments and other historically significant references across Sheffield. We want to fully understand the roots and backgrounds to these and will work with partners in the city to conduct a review.

"We welcome information from those with historical knowledge about places of interest in the city so that we can build a comprehensive picture of Sheffield’s history and make sure that our lasting memorials reflect the values of our communities today. We'll share more details about how people can get involved soon.”

Earlier this week, Sheffield councillors Sophie Wilson and Ben Miskell suggested a new statue be erected in honour of an anti-slavery group founded in the city in the 1820s.

But this suggestion drew criticism from people who argued that the best way to support black lives was not to erect a statue recognising an all-white group.