Who is Mary Ann Macham and why is she being honored?

Mary Ann Macham was a woman who escaped slavery and torture in the US and found freedom in North Shields, England, in the 1830s. A statue is being unveiled to honor her bravery.

Where is the Mary Ann Macham statue located?

The bronze statue of Mary Ann Macham will be unveiled in the fishing town of North Shields in northern England.

How did Mary Ann Macham escape slavery in the US?

Mary Ann Macham escaped by hiding in woods for weeks before stowing away on a ship, eventually reaching England via the Netherlands.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Statue Celebrates Freedom Seeker Who Reached England

Statue Celebrates Freedom Seeker Who Reached England

20 Nov

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Summary

Statue honors Mary Ann Macham, who fled slavery in the US.
Macham found freedom in North Shields, England, in the 1830s.
A bronze figure by artist Keith Barrett will be unveiled soon.

Statue Celebrates Freedom Seeker Who Reached England

A poignant statue commemorating Mary Ann Macham, a woman who endured slavery and torture in the United States before finding freedom, is set to be unveiled in the northern English town of North Shields. Macham's arduous escape from Virginia, which involved hiding for weeks and stowing away on a ship, culminated in her arrival in North Shields in the early 1830s, where she was embraced by a Quaker family.

She spent the remainder of her life in the town, marrying and living to the age of 91. Her remarkable story of resilience and liberation is now immortalized in a bronze figure created by North Shields-based artist Keith Barrett. The sculpture is positioned to overlook the sea, a poignant reminder of her journey.

The re-discovery of Mary Ann's harrowing account, detailing her escape from a life of regular whippings and torture, has led to widespread recognition. Her story was brought to light by a teacher and her grandmother, sparking an exhibition and the erection of a headstone for her unmarked grave, culminating in this public statue.