Lord Elgin and the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum

When Lord Elgin arrived in the Ottoman Empire as British ambassador, his main concern was to ensure good relations with the Turks against their mutual enemy, the French. He could not have realised that his name would be forever associated with some of the masterpieces from the Ancient World. Elgin originally intended the Parthenon sculptures should adorn his own home but the experience of bringing them to Britain ruined his health, his marriage and his bank balance. The sculptures he brought back to Britain used to be called the Elgin Marbles and have been a favourite of visitors to the museum for over 200 years. Join Dr William Sterling to learn more.