A local’s guide to Shakespeare sculptures in London, murals and memorials in various bookish locations, from Southbank to Shoreditch!
Shakespeare and London kind of make only one; even centuries after the playwright’s passing.
His influences echo all around the city, from Southbank to Shoreditch, and my describing the perfect literary itinerary some time ago sparked my writing this guide.
Today, I want to share all the statues and murals of Shakespeare in the city that I’ve come across so far.
Just like that, for the heck of it – and with the playwright deemed one of the greatest of all time, it made sense to talk about Shakespeare at some point.
Shakespeare Sculptures in London: 8 Quirky Spots To Visit
The literary legacy of William Shakespeare is one that, at least to me, remains unmatched, and many of the playwright’s works have slipped into pop culture to become themes we all know of.
Romeo and Juliet, for instance.
A Midsummer’s Night Dream as well.
Various historical sites pertaining to Shakespeare’s life and masterpieces can be visited for free in London, and that’s precisely where I’m taking you today.
Get ready – we’re going to see much, much more than the Globe Theatre!
Shakespeare Sculptures in London: New Inn Broadway
New Inn Broadway is a hidden gem in Shoreditch, East London, that I’ve mentioned time and time again here on The Working Line.
In addition to being located close to the site of the original Theatre built in 1576, it makes for a gorgeous street art enclave two steps away from Boxpark, where you’ll find many street food spots and independent shops.
When the theatre, where Shakespeare’s acting company, was dismantled at the end of the 16th century, the timbers were used to build the Globe Theatre in Southbank, close to London Bridge.
New Inn Broadway commemorates the impact of Shakespeare and London’s first playhouses with a gorgeous Romeo and Juliet mural, a few words engraved in rocks, and a statue of the playwright.
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Shakespeare Locations in London: Guildhall Art Gallery
The Guildhall Art Gallery is one of my favorite museums in London; from Roman ruins to classical paintings and a few sculptures scattered around the museum, it’s definitely a place to visit – especially because it’s completely free.
Inside the Guildhall Art Gallery, you will find busts of several prominent historical figures, including one of Shakespeare.
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Shakespeare Sculptures in London: Southwark Cathedral
The Southwark Cathedral is the oldest Gothic church in London, and beyond that, one of the medieval sites you can visit for free about three minutes away from London Bridge station.
The nave, reconstructed in the 19th century, is particularly impressive, as are the various tombs and sculptures dotted around the cathedral.
Some time ago, I told you all about the most beautiful churches and temples in London, and every time I think about that topic, the Southwark Cathedral comes to mind – it is simply a site worth visiting as soon as you get the chance.
Not only will you find a statue of Shakespeare inside the Southwark Cathedral, but also one in the secret churchyard which faces the oh, so famous Borough Market.
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Shakespeare Locations in London: The Shakespeare’s Head Pub, Carnaby Street
Filled with hidden gems, Carnaby Street and Soho in general are two of the liveliest places you’ll ever be given to visit in London – whether it’s summer or Christmas, the area is always bustling with people.
Closer to the Liberty department store and its impressive Tudor architecture, you’ll already find a quirky sight in the statue of John Lennon.
Walking down Carnaby Street, on the right, the Shakespeare’s Head pub makes the corner with Fouberts Place and when you look up, you will see a tiny bust of the playwright looking down on the passing crowds.
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Shakespeare Locations in London: Shakespeare Portrait on Clink Street
On Clink Street, about 5 minutes away from the Southwark Cathedral and other amazing London Bridge spots like a big Caffè Nero in which I love working, you’ll find a portrait of William Shakespeare.
Colorful, huge, it makes for a photo spot very much loved by tourists walking from Borough Market to Southbank and the Oxo Tower further, much further down.
Crafted by Australian street artist Jimmy C, the William Shakespeare portrait was painted to commemorate 400 years of Shakespeare, and you’ll find, a few minutes’ walk down Southbank, the famous Globe Theatre.
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Shakespeare Locations in London: Globe Theatre, Southbank
Fun fact: when I first moved to Rome years ago, I was very surprised to find a replica of the Globe Theatre in Villa Borghese – a proper one, with the same type of timber architecture and round shape.
The Southbank Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original theatre, which follows the same aesthetics; an open-air amphitheater, a timber-framed, and a circular layout over three floors.
The original was destroyed by a fire in 1613, rebuilt the following year, and demolished in 1644 – the one we can admire from the shores of the Thames River opened to the public in 1997, and makes for one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Shakespeare Sculptures in London: Shakespeare Statue, Leicester Square
If Leicester Square is today best known for its movie-themed Sculpture Trail, its cinemas and restaurants like my beloved Whitcomb’s at the Londoner, it is also home to a famous William Shakespeare statue.
Planted in the very middle of the park that becomes a Christmas market at wintertime, this tribute to the playwright depicts Shakespeare standing, lost in his thoughts.
We have here one of the most beautiful fountains in London; at the base of the statue, indeed, are sculptures of dolphins which enliven the square.
All around you, you will find other sculptures; that of Batman high up on the Odeon cinema, and around the square, Paddington, Mr Bean, and Charlie Chaplin.
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Shakespeare Locations in London: The Seven Ages of Men, Baynard House
I chose to mention in last place a quirky sculpture you’d never expect to find in London, that of the Seven Ages of Men in Baynard House, close to Blackfriars station.
Unveiled in 1980, this sculpture designed by Richard Kindersley takes inspiration from one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, As You Like It:
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
Although it might feel like you’re in one of the ugliest places of London, Baynard House is, like the Barbican Centre, a great example of Brutalist architecture and you’ll find many secret places around Blackfriars when you leave this spot.
This includes the St Andrew by the Wardrobe church across the street, along with many secret alleys like Andrew’s Hill, Carter Lane, and Creed Lane which all bring you close to other amazing places of the City of London.
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Shakespeare Sculptures in London: 8 Quirky Spots To Visit
Thus finishes my selection of cute Shakespeare sculptures in London and locations inspired by the playwright.
Hopefully, you’ll have found a couple of hidden gems to discover when walking about the city.
There are many more literary, cinematographic and cartoon locations in London.
It’s a city where the poshness of neighborhoods like Mayfair tickles the pop culture of Leicester Square’s cinemas…
And makes a visit to London even more interesting!