Thursday 4th April 2024, 7.30pm: Newcastle upon Tyne Trinity House
Another visiting speaker, John D Ellis, will be presenting what promises to be an interesting and informative talk on “Black Sailors in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, 1793-1815”. Judging by the reaction when this was first announced, it is another eagerly-awaited subject. Expect plenty of individual stories, as well as hearing about how these sailors were recruited, classified, documented and treated by the authorities and by fellow shipmates.
John D Ellis is a researcher, historian and educator specialising in race and ethnicity in Britain and Ireland during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Specifically, the Crown regiments of the British Army, Royal Navy ratings and inmates of Newgate Gaol. More recently his research has included Black soldiers and ratings in the First World War. He has written for a range of publications, worked as a genealogist, guested on radio, and worked as an advisor for television and both public and private organisations. A former soldier, he now works in education.
Free admission to Society members, £3 for visitors. Light refreshments available.
