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Why was a cast of The Burghers of Calais installed in London’s Parliament gardens?
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Auguste Rodin
French sculptor Auguste Rodin.
A bronze casting of The Burghers of Calais was installed in the gardens of Parliament in London in 1913 to commemorate the intervention of the English queen, Philippa of Hainaut.12
During the Siege of Calais in 1347, King Edward III demanded the sacrifice of six of the city's leaders to spare the rest of the population. The sculpture depicts these men offering themselves as hostages to the king. The installation in London serves as a tribute to the queen, who successfully pleaded with her husband to show clemency to these heroes.12