Unveiling of New Aphra Behn Statue by Her Majesty The Queen

Her Majesty The Queen visits Canterbury in Kent today to unveil a statue of Aphra Behn, the first full-time professional woman writer in the English language. 

Behn (1640–1689) was baptised in Harbledown, just outside Canterbury, and spent her formative years in the city during the English Civil War.  She was a prolific playwright, novelist, and poet as well as a spy for Charles II, celebrated in her day and buried in Westminster Abbey.

The statue has been given to Canterbury City Council, and therefore to the city, by the Canterbury Commemoration Society. Its Chair, Stewart Ross, said: “The A is for Aphra campaign started five years ago when members of the community began asking why one of Canterbury’s most famous literary heroes was not celebrated in the city where she grew up. The campaign group joined forces with the Canterbury Commemoration Society to celebrate Aphra and to raise the statue back in the same streets Aphra knew as a child."

The creation of the bronze statue by sculptor Christine Charlesworth followed an extensive period of research, consultation and fundraising. Her design presents a 17-year-old Aphra, book in hand and theatrical mask behind her back, looking wistfully about her as she sets out for London with her family. It has been placed outside The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in the city.

The Queen’s visit will include a performance of an excerpt from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Behn’s play The Rover directed by Loveday Ingram. Her Majesty will also be invited to view the first edition of Behn’s novel Oroonoko and meet its donor, Anna Astin, before signing the visitors’ book at the end of the visit.