Description:

Copy of the headstone for the grave of Scipio Africanus, Henbury Churchyard. It reads, Here Lieth the body of Scipio Africanus Negro servant to y Right Honourable Charles William Earl of Suffolk and Bradon who died y 21st December 1720 Aged 18 years.

The language used to describe people of African descent in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries is unacceptable in today’s terms. We cannot avoid using this language in its original context. To change the words would impose 20th century attitudes on history.

Creator: Henbury Church

Date: c. 1720

Copyright: Copyright BCC Museum