Belgian Monument to the British Nation

The Belgian Monument to the British Nation is a significant memorial that features a bronze sculptural group created by Victor Rousseau, with an architectural setting designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield RA. Unveiled in October 1920, the memorial consists of a bronze figure of a mother, draped in mourning attire with an elongated neck, who is encouraging two children carrying garlands. According to Rousseau, the mother symbolizes Belgium expressing gratitude to Great Britain, while the children represent the spirit of youth and hope for the future, reflecting the essence of the Belgian nation.

The sculpture is set on a rectangular stone base and is positioned on a broad paved area that is accessible by four steps. Behind the group is a classical stone screen, featuring a taller central section flanked by curved wings. The left wing displays a relief carving of Justice holding the 1837 Treaty of London, which ensured Belgian neutrality, while the right wing features a relief of Honour, depicted as St George. Both reliefs were noted to be seriously eroded at the time of inspection in 2014. Additionally, the top of the wings includes relief carvings representing the provinces of Belgium, and the rear of the memorial includes a seat.