Monument of Shakespere in Poets' Corner before 1864

Ernest Edwards made this photograph of the monument to Shakespeare in Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey in the late 19th century. Edwards, a pioneer in photographic printing techniques, here documents a monument to England’s most celebrated writer, located in one of the nation's most prominent institutions. The placement of Shakespeare's memorial in Poet’s Corner reflects a deliberate act of cultural canonization. By associating Shakespeare with other literary giants like Chaucer and Milton, the Abbey affirms his status within a lineage of national poets. This act of commemoration is also a commentary on the social structures of Victorian England, where cultural institutions played a crucial role in shaping national identity. To better understand the monument's significance, researchers might consult archival records from Westminster Abbey. They might also read contemporaneous literary criticism or study histories of public sculpture in England. Understanding the social and institutional contexts is crucial to interpreting the ongoing cultural resonance of Shakespeare and the institutions that celebrate him.