Church of England Removes 'Racist' Flowers, Igniting Debate Over Historical Memorials

A hydrangea, once donated to a church in memory of Cecil Rhodes, has been removed from St. Mary's in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, igniting a debate about historical memorials and the Church of England's efforts to combat prejudice.

The plant, gifted decades ago, was associated with Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. A plaque indicated the hydrangea originated from Groote Schuur, Rhodes's former home near Cape Town.

The Carlisle Diocese stated the removal was not a decision specifically about Rhodes, but a consequence of the hydrangea becoming "progressively weaker" and dying last year. The diocese also claims ignorance of the plaque being mentioned or discussed over the past 70 years.

However, architectural historian John Martin Robinson, a local resident, disputes the claim that the hydrangea was dead, asserting it was thriving last year. He also emphasized the plaque's historical significance, noting it is covered by the church's historical listing and needs to be found.

Robinson criticized the diocese's stance, calling it "culpable ignorance" and questioning the allocation of resources. He pointed to the church's deteriorating condition, including a leaking roof and an empty rectory slated for sale, while historic shrubs are removed.

This incident occurs as the Church of England has pledged £100 million in 'reparations' to address historical injustices related to slavery through its 'social impact' fund.

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