Residence of Benedict Arnold

London is full of little surprises. Some make you laugh, some make you do a spit take. This one happened to do both.
I was walking to a bus stop and saw I had a little time to kill. On my map, it said that, along the way, lay the Residence of Benedict Arnold. Hmmm, interesting. It’s worth walking a few steps more to see the home of one of America’s most legendary traitors. I man who’s name is synonymous with turn cloaks. Even Americans who don’t know who Benedict Arnold is know that if they themselves are called a Benedict Arnold, then it’s because they’ve betrayed someone. Betrayed!
(For the record, Benedict Arnold was an American general during the Revolutionary War — the one where the US fought for independence from England. During that time, Arnold turned sides and plotted to surrender a tactical fort in New York to the British. He was caught and fought for England the rest of the war.)
Interesting, right? Made even more interesting by the plaque outside his former residence, which states (and I quote):
«Major General Benedict Arnold American patriot resided here from 1796 until his death June 14, 1801.»
Ok, yes, yes, wait, what?
Well you know what they say: One country’s traitor is another county’s patriot… They say that, right?
For all you history nerds out there, myself included, this is a fun bit of history and the way we are all perceived and a neat spot for a picture. I mean, really, who’s to say you’re really a traitor anyway, right? … Oh, right, the winning side.
Damn traitor.

«Major General Benedict Arnold, AMERICAN PATRIOT (emphasis added) resided here from 1796 until his death…»
When I read that plaque I almost fell of my bus chair. I was riding around a tour bus and we stopped in traffic, and I happened to glance and see this. I was like huh? I must have misread that. I quickly saved the position on my GPS, and the next day made my way to 62 Gloucester Place where this plaque is displayed. I posted a pic on my profile.
If you don’t know who Benedict Arnold is, here is a wikipedia primer:
«Because of the way he changed sides, his name quickly became a byword in the United States for treason or betrayal.»
Funny how one man’s traitor is another man’s patriot. It’s all a matter of perspective, and I was on the other side of the Atlantic where things are by definition from a different perspective.
This site taught me a very important lesson in geopolitics. If you visit London, mark this spot on your GPS and make your way over there. It may be just a plaque, but it is a very valuable lesson in perspective and valuing other’s point of view. I love it.