Memorial to Mahomet Weyonomon
the chief who never made it home
A granite sculpture beside Southwark Cathedral honouring a Mohegan chief who died in London seeking justice for his people.
Free to visit · Southwark · London Bridge · SE1 9DA
Opening: Churchyard daylight hours
In the green churchyard beside Southwark Cathedral lies a low sculpted block of pink granite honouring Mahomet Weyonomon, a sachem, or chief, of the Mohegan people of what is now Connecticut. In 1735 he sailed to London to petition King George II over land taken from his people, but he caught smallpox and died before he could be granted an audience, and was buried in an unmarked grave because non-Christians could not be buried in the City.
The memorial, unveiled in 2006 in the presence of Mohegan representatives, finally marks his story. It is free to visit, a quiet and moving acknowledgement of a man who crossed an ocean for justice and never went home.
Getting there: In the churchyard beside Southwark Cathedral, a minute from London Bridge or Borough Market.
Best time to go: Daytime, on a walk around Borough and Southwark Cathedral.
Insider tip: Find the carved granite block on the green beside the cathedral, often with offerings left on it by visitors. It pairs naturally with a free look inside Southwark Cathedral and a wander round Borough Market next door.
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide