The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho

During Black History Month, we’re delighted to welcome one of Britain’s best loved actors and writers, Paterson Joseph, whose captivating new historical novel brings to life an extraordinary real figure from Black British history, Charles Ignatius Sancho. Born on a slave ship, sometime in the 1720s, and orphaned soon after, Sancho went on to meet the King, write and play highly acclaimed music, have his portrait painted by Gainsborough, lead the fight to end slavery and, as the owner of a Mayfair grocery shop (just minutes away from The London Library), he became the first Black person to vote in Britain.

Performing from the novel and then in conversation with Dr Deirdre Osborne, co-founder of the MA Black British Literature, Goldsmiths University of London, Joseph reveals a larger-than-life character, integral to British history, whose story, hidden for almost 300 years, it is high time to tell.

This event is presented in association with MA Black British Literature, Goldsmiths University London and supported using public funding from Arts Council England.