Explore the life of the 18th century black Londoner, Ignatius Sancho. Orphaned on a slave ship bound for South America he had many lives in London: in service to noble family in Greenwich, a businessman, elector, correspondent with Laurence Sterne and others and composer of music. After his early death many of his letters were published and helped to raise awareness of the plight of black slaves and ex-slaves and fuel the drive to the abolition of slavery.
The son of African slaves, Ancho was born on a Spanish slave ship bound for South America. He was orphaned as a baby and taken to England where he worked for three sisters in Greenwich. As he grew up his intelligence was recognised by a neighbour, the Duke of Montagu, who gave him books to read and encouraged him to improve himself. After working in service for the Montagu Family he became a freeman with a legacy which he squandered on wine, women and song. With his marriage to Anne Osborne, a former West Indian slave, he settled down to a more sober life and together they ran a grocer’s shop in Westminster, selling products from the slave plantations in America and raising a family. Sancho became a respectable member of society, voting in the 1774 and 1780 elections, corresponding with Laurence Sterne and others and composing music for dances, much of it published. After his early death many of his letters were published and helped to raise awareness of the plight of black slaves and ex-slaves and fuel the drive to the abolition of slavery.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to…
The life and times of Ignatius Sancho.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Introductory .
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Illustrated lecture, discussions, questions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No.
When I’ve finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in British and global history. Please see the City Lit website.
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