The Burghers of Calais is a famous bronze statue by the French sculptor, Auguste Rodin,which is located adjacent to the Houses of Parliament in London. Appropriately enough, it represents the idea of freedom from oppression. It tells of the siege of Calais in 1347, during the Hundred Years War. Calais had been surrounded for a year by English soldiers under King Edward III. Six leading citizens of Calais, the Burghers, offered to die if Edward spared the rest of the town's people. Edward's wife, Queen Philippa, heard about the Burgher's offer and asked if they could also be spared if the town surrendered. Edward agreed and all the people of Calais were allowed to leave. Yes, those perfidious Albions could be decent on occasions...