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Castle Plaque Theft Echoes Centuries of Racism
17 Oct
Summary
- A stolen plaque honored African-Caribbean prisoners at Portchester Castle.
- Descendants view the theft as a reflection of ongoing racism.
- The incident occurred during Black History Month and reparations debate.
A plaque installed at Portchester Castle to honor African-Caribbean prisoners, marking a significant, often overlooked, chapter of Black British history, has been stolen. Descendants of these 18th-century prisoners, who were transported to Britain as prisoners of war, expressed deep sorrow and anger over the theft and vandalism. They interpret these acts as manifestations of enduring racism impacting Black and Indigenous Caribbean people across generations.
The plaque's installation, on October 9th, commemorated over 2,000 Garifuna ancestors and others transported in 1796. The theft, discovered days later by English Heritage staff, has been reported to the police. This event, occurring during Black History Month and amidst discussions on slavery reparations, has been called an "ongoing battle and the legacy of enslavement" by campaigners. Advocates emphasize that such acts cannot erase history and highlight the importance of uncovering and remembering these intertwined stories.
English Heritage has condemned the removal as vandalism, while university professors noted the plaque's purpose was to provide a visible memorial. Community leaders and diplomats have pledged that the plaque, whether returned or replaced, will remain a fixture at Portchester Castle, symbolizing the resilience of their ancestors who endured colonization and displacement.
