Statue of Cupid

Sit on the steps and soak up the atmosphere of busy Piccadilly Circus. Lots of theatres in and around the area. The Britain and London Visitors Centre is located at 1 Regent street which is close to this statue.

It's difficult to tell people this isn't Eros the pagan god of love. Nor is it actually Cupid. I've been told the archer atop this bronze fountain symbolises the virtue charity. Appropriate enough, since it's dedicated to Lord Shaftesbury, for whom affordable housing was a cause. However, it's much more romantic to call it Eros or Cupid, as it's more than just a statue it is a meeting place, and often where love is found. Even this statue has found it's mate, as there is an exact life-size replica of 'Eros' in the Adelaide Museum of South Australia. If you believe the local tradition for good luck, propose, under this statue, at the stroke of midnight and it will bring you happiness in your marriage. Ah... so romantic.