Shrewsbury has followed Westminster in rejecting proposals to erect a statue of Robert Clive, the controversial 18th-century British military leader known as "Clive of India". The decision reflects growing unease over commemorating figures linked to colonialism and exploitation.
Why Shrewsbury Said No
Local councillors argued that Clive's legacy—marked by military conquests in India and vast personal wealth extracted from the subcontinent—was incompatible with modern values. "We must question who we choose to honour in our public spaces," said one council member.
A Nationwide Debate
The move echoes similar controversies across the UK, including the toppling of Edward Colston's statue in Bristol during Black Lives Matter protests. Historians note that Clive's role in establishing British rule in India involved violence and economic extraction.
What Happens Next?
With the statue proposal now shelved, Shrewsbury may instead install plaques contextualising Clive's complex history. Meanwhile, the debate over Britain’s colonial monuments shows no sign of fading.
