Ignatius Sancho: from Slave Ship to Westminster

Speaker: Chris Harrison. Among many prominent black 18th century British citizens, Ignatius Sancho is distinguished for the breadth of his interests & the range of his social contacts. A writer, composer & owner of a small business, he was acquainted with many important figures of his time, including Laurence Sterne, David Garrick, Joseph Nollekens & the Montagu family. He is one of the first black Britons to have voted in a general election – a considerable achievement for someone thought to have been born on a slave ship crossing the Atlantic. Chris Harrison, musician & educator, has done much to raise awareness of Sancho’s life & work & will tell the story of how Sancho made this remarkable journey, illustrated by a live performance by members of the Hackney Community Orchestra (of which Chris is musical director) of some of Sancho’s music.