This is the main gate that leads into the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral.
I think it is a splendid structure, and a fitting entrance to such a wonderful place.
Most of it is very old, but the statue of Jesus is only a few years old. The original was removed by Oliver Cromwell. What a guy, eh? A military genius who enabled Parliament to win the Civil War, he then set about some brutal repression. He is still hated by many Irish Catholics - one who I know refers to him as The Devil, and regales us with tales of rivers running red with Irish Catholic blood.
Having indulged in a bit if ethnic cleansing, he then imported a load of English Protestants to fill up the space he had created. The unhappy situation in Northern Ireland is a direct result of this.
I guess you have to say one thing for Ollie - he knew how to make a mark on the world!
5 comments:
Oh yes, he will never be forgotten, that's certain. Legend says he (or his men) chopped some carved animals in half on the end of the pews at my local church where I grew up.
BTW, I added another comment about the dragoons.
Is it true that Charles II had him dug up, put on trial, found guilty then hung until death although he was already dead, you know, having been buried and all?
Shammickite - Well he certainly did not like decorations in churches, so this would fit!
wigsf - I know he was dug up and hanged - don't know if he had a fair trial or not!
Who said fair?
History does have a way painting different views of a person (savior verses devil). Interesting that the BBC ranked him in the top 10 Greatest Britons. The Lord Protector was definitely an interesting character - even after his death.
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