Slave owner plaque removed from church

A ‘repugnant’ memorial to an 18th century slave owner has been removed from a Dorchester church.

The plaque at St Peter’s Church commemorated plantation owner John Gordon’s part in violently suppressing a slave uprising in Jamaica in 1760. The plaque – which used outdated and racially offensive language – praised Gordon for his ‘bravery’ and ‘humanity’ after almost 500 slaves were murdered by colonial forces during ‘Tacky’s War’.

Ruth Arlow, diocese chancellor, said: “The monument celebrated in language of acclamation the violent quelling of a rebellion by enslaved people against a status that is now universally acknowledged as morally repugnant and contrary to Christian doctrine. Its continued presence in the building seemed to imply the continued support, or at least toleration and acceptance, of discrimination and oppression and was inconsistent with the message of the universality of God’s love which the community of St Peter’s sought to share.” Before the plaque was removed, it was partially covered by a laminated sign since 2020 that read: “This memorial is of its time. Using language and commemorating actions which are totally unacceptable to us today. Its future is under active consideration.”

Penny Sayer, Archdeacon of Sherborne, said: “Local people were asking if it was appropriate to have such a monument in a church, or is it more appropriate to have it somewhere else.

“It is really important that the story is told, particularly because it mentions Tacky’s revolt which represents hidden voices, people whose stories are not often told. “There were very careful steps taken by the church to ensure the monument was researched and the right process followed.”

Gordon was a trained lawyer from Sutherland in Scotland who owned around 400 slaves in Jamaica. He died in 1774, aged 46, in Dorchester while travelling to Falmouth on his way back to the Caribbean.

The plaque commemorating Gordon is now in storage at Dorset Museum and is available to view upon request.