Colonel Edward Despard was executed in London in 1803 as a terrorist and traitor. However, the seeds of his radicalism were sown on the other side of the world, during his military service in the Caribbean. A patriotic war hero who fought alongside Nelson, he fell from favour with the British government after he was appointed governor of Belize and allocated equal shares of land to black and white settlers.
Recalled to Britain, he shocked London society with his mixed race marriage, and his pursuit of racial equality and political rights steered him towards the revolutionary underground.
Speaker: Mike Jay
Mike Jay is an author and historian who has written several books on the revolutionary politics of the 1790s. Visit mikejay.net for further information.
This event is the fifth of eight talks in the series titled The British Business of Slavery, curated by Deborah Lavin.
Tickets: individual tickets £5, students and participating society members £3. Series ticket £30, students and participating society members £21.
Book Tickets Here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-unfortunate-colonel-despard-governor-of-belize-anti-racist-democrat-executed-as-a-traitor-1803-tickets-17227968317
More Camden Listings MORE
Jota.pê
🎶 With influences ranging from Jorge Ben and Caetano Veloso to the manguebeat energy of Chico Science, Brazilian…
To Pimp a Butterfly: 10 Year Anniversary
This June, prepare to experience one of the most important and genre-defining albums of the 21st century like…
Mortimer
Hailing from Jamaica and quickly establishing himself as one of the island’s most compelling voices, Mortimer brings his…
Gyptian
A voice that bridges generations and genres, Gyptian brings his soulful fusion of reggae, R&B and pop to…
Horace Andy & Dub Asante Band feat. Matic Horns
Renowned as a true kingpin of the roots-reggae scene, Horace Andy stands as a towering figure in the…
Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou
Hailing from the vibrant heart of West Africa, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou stands as one of the continent’s…
Roni Size
We are thrilled to announce a very special night at The Jazz Cafe, as we welcome none other…
Gilsons
In recent years, Brazil’s music scene has experienced a remarkable resurgence, capturing the attention of audiences far beyond…