Thursday 7 January 2010

Deptford to Jamaica

This short paragraph from a newspaper of 1730 is not only evidence of the long-standing black presence in Deptford but also a tiny window into the complex connections between Britain and Jamaica.
LONDON, October 24.
Last Saturday two Daughters of MAJOR Askew, formerly Deputy Governor of Jamaica, went to Deptford, in order to imbark there on board the Ship Mermaid for Jamaica, together with the four Blacks the said Gentleman brought over with him, who were lately Christen’d at St. George the Martyr; the Air of this Country not agreeing with the young Gentlewomen; not long since their Mother and another Daughter who came over from thence, died here.

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