Explorer and journalist, born as John Rowlands at Denbigh, Wales. Illegitimate and brought up in a workhouse, he sailed to America as a cabin boy in 1859. He befriended a trader called Henry Hope Stanley and eventually adopted his name. Fought for the confederate army in the American civil war. Becoming a journalist with the New York Herald, he travelled to Africa, where in 1871 he traced Doctor David Livingstone. Whether he actually said 'Doctor Livingstone, I presume?' is in question, as he tore out of his diary the relevant pages for the event. Knighted 1899. He died at 2 Richmond Terrace.
The boy in the photograph is Kalulu who Morton adopted as his gun bearer and servant.
Given his role in the American civil war, his association with King Leopold and his time in Africa it is not surprising that he has been accused of racism. Of course we are judging with current standards, and reports from the time differ but if some of them are true the general view of Stanley as a brave hero needs adjusting.
2021: The residents of Denbigh voted on the possible removal of Stanley's statue from Hall Square where it was placed only about 10 years ago. And overwhelming support means it will remain.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
