In The Guardian of 3 March 1997, there was an article about Rapparee Cove, near Ilfracombe, Devon, where in 1796 the 300 ton barque The London foundered in bad weather. The vessel was returning from the island of St Lucia in October 1796 carrying booty and 150 black slaves captured from the French. These slaves were chained in the hold, and went down with the ship.

Now some evidence of these unfortunates has been uncovered, in the form of teeth, bone fragments and part of an iron fetter. While this does make for an interesting local story, the Labour MP for Tottenham, Bernie Grant, has entered the scene. According to The Guardian report, he is demanding an apology for Britain's past involvement in slavery, and is supporting a move for a memorial and an historic grave at the site. Mr Grant and fellow members of the African Reparation Movement hope to hold a ceremony of dedication at the site to mark Emancipation Day on August 1.

More Napoleonic Newsdesk:

Politics and the Period We Study!
Martello Tower No. 3
Forthcoming Books 1997
Napoleonic Asso. Event Update

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