Christian Martyrs of the Twentieth Century

Commissioned in 1998, the ten statues immediately above the west door of Westminster Abbey were intended to demonstrate that, despite common perception, the twentieth century was a century of martyrdom. The figures also represent the many others who have died under similar circumstances of oppression and persecution in recent times.

The ten figures were selected from every continent and many Christian denominations, and include those who struggled for human rights, victims of Nazi and Soviet persecution, and the brutalities of World War II. The martyrs include notable historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Oscar Romero. This booklet tells the stories of these ten people, their faith and the enduring significance of Christian witnesses.