Person    | Male  Born 1729  Died 14/12/1780

Ignatius Sancho

Writer, shopkeeper and socialite. Born on a slave ship bound for the West Indies (his birth year is approximate). His first name was Charles, but he was baptised Ignatius. His mother died soon after arriving in New Granada and his father committed suicide rather than become a slave. He was brought to England by his owner and given to three sisters who gave him the name of Sancho. Befriended by John, 2nd Duke of Montagu who encouraged his education he became butler to his wife. At her death he was left an annuity and opened a shop in Westminster. He became the friend of many famous people of the time, including David Garrick and Gainsborough who painted his portrait. He was the first known Afro-Briton to have voted in a British election. His edited letters were published after his death.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Ignatius Sancho

Commemorated ati

Ignatius Sancho - SE3

Ignatius Sancho, c1729 - 1780, African man of letters, composer and opponent ...

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Ignatius Sancho - SW1

Ignatius Sancho, 1729 - 1780, writer, symbol of the humanity of Africans, liv...

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