This small carved monument sits in the grounds of Southwark Cathedral, right next to Borough Market near London Bridge. It commemorates Mahomet Weyonomon, chief of the Mohegans, a native American tribe.
Mahomet, a Sachem (chief), came to England in 1735 to discuss the return of his people’s lands which had been taken by English settlers. The Mohegans had helped and protected the first settlers in New England but this did not prevent them from stealing their land a couple of generations later.
Queen Anne‘s commissioners supported the Mohegans from 1705, hence his visit to London with three supporters to petition King George II for the return of their stolen lands as the Connecticut government had ignored their case.
While waiting to see the king he caught smallpox and died. He was 36 years old. Foreigners could not be buried in the City of London so he was buried near St. Saviour’s church, now Southwark Cathedral. The exact site is unknown.
This memorial was made at the request of the Mohegan people and carved by Peter Randall-Page from a stone brought from Mohegan lands. The designs are taken from ancient tribal motifs.
Queen Elizabeth unveiled the monument in 2006 alongside tribal chairman Two Dogs Bozsum and the US ambassador.
A much-delayed royal meeting.
