St Paul’s Cathedral is inviting visitors to reflect on the history of war and resistance in the Caribbean with the launch of a new trail exploring some of its most recognisable monuments. The trail offers visitors new insights into the histories related to ten individuals commemorated in the Cathedral who were involved in the French Revolutionary Wars in the Caribbean.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Britain engaged in an intensive series of military campaigns against France for control over the Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. The impact of this conflict on the indigenous people and enslaved Africans who lived on the islands is often overlooked, and their stories left untold. Created in partnership with SV2G, a Caribbean arts and heritage organisation, the new trail aims to bring this history to light. The project tries to center the Caribbean voice, and introduces visitors to a number of Caribbean heroes.
The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, commented:
“As a place of worship, St Paul’s Cathedral is, by its nature, the host for contemplative reflection. It is therefore of the utmost importance for the Cathedral to create a forum for conversation and reflection around stories such as these.
“We are honoured to be a part of this project, which has brought forward the voices of those who have been overlooked by history. We are grateful to SV2G and all those who participated in this important work, for their thorough and sensitive research.”
