April 28, 1801 - Lord Shaftesbury Born
Public domain portrait of Angel of Christian Charity Source: Wikimedia Commons.
At Piccadilly Circus, the busiest intersection in London, England, there sits a fountain called “The Angel of Christian Charity,” which some call “Eros.” Placed there to commemorate Lord Shaftesbury, born April 28, 1801, it symbolizes Shaftesbury’s belief that his Christian duty was to support the less fortunate. He is quoted as saying, “I think a man’s religion, if it is worth anything, should enter into every sphere of life and rule his conduct in every relation.” As a member of Parliament, he spent his personal time and resources championing causes like the reform of child labor laws, elimination of teenage prostitution, the end of the opium trade, better sewer systems, and keeping young boys out of chimneys as chimney sweeps.
In Piccadilly Circus, the busiest intersection in London, England, there is a fountain called “The Angel of Christian Charity.” Sitting in one of the most famous public spaces in London, the symbolic monument, officially named Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, was erected in 1893 as a way to commemorate Lord Shaftesbury. Oftentimes, the figure is mistaken for Eros; however, the figure actually represents Anteros, the Greek figure of selfless, sacrificial love. Anthony-Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury was born on April 28, 1801, and the fountain symbolizes his belief that his Christian duty was to support the less fortunate. He was a leading figure in Victorian social reform and was a passionate Evangelical Chrisitan with his faith directly motivating his political activism. He played an instrumental role in the Factory Acts, which improved working conditions for women and children, and in the Ragged Schools movement, which provided free education to poor children. Furthermore, his efforts contributed to the Chimney Sweepers Act, helping to end the use of young boys in dangerous labor, and he advocated for mental health reform, improving conditions in asylums.
Shaftesbury’s life exemplifies how faith should influence public life and social action. His work shows that Christianity is not only personal but calls believers to address injustice. Poverty, human trafficking, and labor ethics are relevant issues today, and Christians can look to his example to challenge these issues. Shaftesbury’s life displays the stewardship of influence, using influence and position for the good of others. He did not live a life where his faith was compartmentalized but integrated into every aspect of his life. His legacy encourages modern Christians to pursue practical expressions of charity and reform.
