Ignatius Sancho was a man of many talents - a writer, composer, shopkeeper, and social commentator and abolitionist. He composed 100 dances and minuets which were played by fashionable Londoners and wrote two plays and a book of composition. He was the first recorded black voter and first black man to have an obituary in the British press.
Plans for a permanent memorial
The Sancho Memorial Committee plan to establish a new memorial of Sancho by sculptor Christy Symington MRSS, who created a sculpture of Olaudah Equiano displayed at the Queen's House, Greenwich, Portcullis House, and the International Slavery Museum, Liverpool. It will be erected by permission of the Trustees of the Royal Parks, who have given their conditional approval.
The University is working with the SMC and the aim, subject to raising a further £20,000, is to unveil the memorial in late June 2023 to coincide with a community opera about Sancho in Greenwich Park by the Tramshed Theatre Company, and further progress in the Lottery-funded scheme for "Greenwich Park Revealed.”
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Harrington, said:
Sancho identified as an African Briton and yet his chapter in British history is often overlooked. The university is very pleased to support the establishment of a permanent memorial to Sancho in Greenwich Park which will be a fitting tribute to an incredible man.
Get involved and donations
Help us to celebrate Sancho’s legacy by donating today and sharing his story. Read more and donate here.
Staff are also encouraged to attend upcoming events remembering Ignatius Sancho, including Lord Boateng speaking at ‘Remembering Ignatius Sancho: Black Political Representation in the UK from Abolition to Current Challenges’ on Tuesday 4 October, 17:30 at the Westminster City Hall, Innovation Hub.
On 6 October, the launch for Paterson Joseph’s debut novel The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, will also take place at Waterstones Piccadilly – for more information and how to book to attend, click here.
