London's Square Mile Contains Numerous Memorials Linked to Slavery and Colonialism

The City of London Corporation oversees memorials associated with colonialism and slavery in its Square Mile. Following George Floyd's death in May 2020, the corporation released a statement supporting Black Lives Matter and initiated a Historic Landmarks Consultation, which faced accusations of being merely performative. The Tackling Racism Taskforce's report mentioned two statues: John Cass, which was returned to its owners, and William Beckford, whose removal was obstructed by the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. Controversial memorials include Cromwell Tower and Lauderdale Tower. Additionally, Hackney councillors aim to take down Robert Geffrye's statue, while the Bank of England removed portraits linked to slavery, drawing criticism from the Daily Mail on 14 June 2021. The Lisvane Report recommended changes to the Barbican's board, which has faced allegations of institutional racism in 'Barbican Stories' (2021). A list of contentious memorials features statues of Elizabeth I, Charles II, and others.