Eros in Picadilly

[davver]

Is the story in Stephen Fry's 'The Liar' true about the origins of the statue of Eros in Picadilly Circus? That: it was put up as a moument to Lord Shaftesbury's work against child labour, and originally pointed down Shaftesbury Avenue, but now points a different way having been put back incorrectly after cleaning during the war.

[Sylday]

The statue - which in fact is not Eros the Greek god of love, but a Christian angel of charity - was certainly erected in honour of Lord Shaftesbury. But I don't know about it having changed its direction, though it has certainly undergone restoration from time to time.

[RevShirls]

Here's a website with a little info about the statue: http://www.worldhistory.com/wiki/P/Piccadilly-Circus.htm It mentions about the change of direction too.