William Tyndale Statue, Bristol

The statue of William Tyndale, located in Millennium Square in Bristol, stands as a tribute to a remarkable figure in the history of religious reform and the translation of the Bible. William Tyndale, born in 1494, played a significant role in the Protestant movement and is renowned for his translation of the Bible into English.

Created by the sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, the life-size bronze statue portrays Tyndale seated on a bench, capturing the essence of the scholar amidst the backdrop of the 16th century. Clad in scholarly robes representative of the era, Tyndale wears a distinctive hat atop his head. His face is adorned with a small bear and a mustache, which adds a touch of character to his countenance.

Positioned on his lap, a portable writing desk rests, a symbol of Tyndale's tireless dedication to his work. The desk serves as a foundation for his literary pursuits, with a copy of the New Testament and an inkwell placed upon it. Tyndale's forearms rest upon the edge of the desk, and in his right hand, he holds a quill pen, poised to make his mark on the pages of history.

The statue of William Tyndale stands as a poignant reminder of the courage, intellect, and perseverance of a man who played a pivotal role in making the Bible accessible to the English-speaking world. Tyndale's work was not without personal sacrifice, as he faced persecution and ultimately met a tragic fate. However, his translation laid the foundation for future English versions of the Bible and significantly impacted religious thought and the Protestant Reformation.