Observe this sundial bench before us. It commemorates a significant clash. This is The Battle of Deptford Bridge Mosaic.
The Battle of Deptford Bridge Mosaic marks the spot of a rebellion. It’s a memorial to the Battle of Deptford Bridge. The battle occurred on June 17, 1497. Cornish rebels fought against Henry VII’s English army here.
But why were Cornish rebels fighting here near Deptford Bridge? Let’s journey back to 1497. King Henry VII needed funds. He planned to battle the Scots. To finance this, he raised taxes. Cornwall was hit hard. The king had stopped Cornish tin mining. This made things worse.
The Cornish people were aggrieved. They marched to London. They wanted fairer treatment. A blacksmith named Michael Joseph led them. He was known as An Gof. Thomas Flamank a lawyer supported him. They gathered an army. It grew to over ten thousand strong.
The Cornish army camped on Blackheath. They hoped for support from Kent. But Kent did not rise. Henry VII split his army. He sent troops to surround the rebels. The battle began at Deptford Bridge.
The King’s troops overwhelmed the rebels. The rebels were mainly peasants. They were cut to pieces. The leaders were captured. An Gof and Flamank were executed. Their heads were displayed on London Bridge.
Fast forward to 2016. Gary Drostle designed this sundial memorial mosaic. It commemorates the battle. The Battle of Deptford Bridge Mosaic was unveiled in 2017.
Notice the mosaic’s design. It resembles a Celtic patterned shield. An arrow pierces the shield. The arrow acts as the sundial’s gnomon. It casts a shadow. The shadow reveals the time.
The Battle of Deptford Bridge Mosaic is more than art. It’s a reminder of a pivotal moment. It recalls Cornish courage. It speaks of rebellion against a king. It tells a story etched in time. It serves as a reminder of the past. The past is always present in the ground beneath our feet.