In 1884 Auguste Rodin was commissioned to create a monument for the town of Calais to commemorate the sacrifice of the Six Burghers (or councillors) who gave themselves up as hostages in resistance of Edward III's seizure of the town. Edward's wife Philippa interceded with her husband to spare them, this he did as a mark of his high esteem for her. The statue was completed in 1886 and this is a bronze copy.