In the book "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel, a character reflects on witnessing a defaced statue of the Madonna while crossing London Bridge. The statue's baby has been violently removed, an act that suggests deeper social and religious unrest. This incident highlights a trend of vandalism directed at religious icons during a tumultuous period in history.

The character hints that the act of defacing the statue could be connected to Cranmer, suggesting that his actions may be influenced by alcohol. This connection portrays Cranmer as a flawed individual, questioning his integrity and stability in times of crisis, revealing the complexities of the characters and the societal tensions they navigate.