National Firefighters Memorial

The National Firefighters Memorial stands beside the Thames near St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London. Three bronze figures show firefighters at work during the Blitz, when London was bombed on 57 nights in a row. The memorial was first planned by Cyril Demarne and later sculpted by John W. Mills. It was unveiled in 1991 by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother to honour those who fought fires during the Second World War. The original site was Old Change Court, close to the Millennium Footbridge. In 1998 the memorial became a national tribute to all UK firefighters killed on duty. The plinth was raised by just over a metre and peacetime names were added. Princess Anne attended the rededication ceremony in 2003, when 1,192 names were inscribed in bronze. Each year on the Sunday nearest 7 September a service of remembrance is held at the site. Visitors reach the memorial along the Jubilee Walkway south of St Paul’s. The statues face the river, framed by modern buildings and the cathedral dome behind. Bronze plaques list the fallen, and the setting beside the flowing Thames adds quiet dignity. The Millennium Footbridge offers a clear approach from the south bank.