Spurgeon's Tree, Clapham Common

Watercolour by J. Windsor depicting Spurgeon's Tree, Clapham Common. 1859

This painting depicts a tall, leafy tree on Clapham Common, under which Mr. Frederick Smith was tragically struck dead by lightning on the 26th July 1865 when sheltering under the tree. Beneath the tree, figures gather—perhaps echoing the crowd that assembled shortly after the incident.

The sky is a soft blue, dotted with white clouds, and there are faint outlines of other trees and foliage in the distance. The ground is covered in green grass with patches of brown earth. Beneath the tree, several figures are gathered.

The inscription below the image provides historical context: 'Tree on Clapham Common under which Mr. Frederick Smith was struck dead by lightning on July 1859. Mr Spurgeon preached a sermon here on the following Sunday to an immense concourse of people on this text "Be ye likewise ready" '.

On the Sunday following Smith’s death, Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon, one of the most influential Baptist preachers of the 19th century, delivered a sermon at the site to an immense audience, at least 10,000 according to the press . His chosen text, “Be ye likewise ready” (Matthew 24:44), reflected Victorian concerns with mortality, divine judgment, and spiritual preparedness. A collection of £27 10s. 4d. was made on behalf of the widow and children.

Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers,” pastored the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London for 38 years. His sermons attracted thousands weekly and were widely published and translated. He was also a social reformer, founding orphanages and encouraging his congregation to serve the poor of Victorian London.