London - Sheep and Shepherd

The statue of the shepherd and sheep called ‘Paternoster’ by Elisabeth Frink (1975) is a reminder of the days when live sheep and cattle would be brought here to the Newgate Meat Market.  It was a filthy, crowded, and smelly place.  The opening of the new Smithfield market buildings in 1868 saw the closure of this traffic congested, eyesore. 

The statue was unveiled by the accomplished violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999).

The statue was part of the previous 1960s office development of Paternoster Square.  While that was being torn down the sheep found a new temporary home outside the Museum of London before being herded back here to Paternoster Square in 2003.  

This is an excerpt from the FREE tour St Paul's Precincts found on www.obelisktours.co.uk