All of Year 8 recently visited St. John the Evangelist Church in Newtimber, bringing to life the topic they have been studying this term: the slave trade. The visit offered a fascinating insight into how global history connects to our local area.
Newtimber Place, near the church, was once owned by a slave owner who rebuilt the church tower using funds gained after the abolition of slavery. Later, the estate was owned by a key abolitionist, highlighting the complex and evolving history of the period.
The church also holds a poignant memorial to a troop ship that sank in the English Channel in 1917, claiming the lives of 646 people—many of whom were Black soldiers. This connection provided an opportunity for students to reflect on 20th-century Black history and its significance.
The trip was a valuable experience for everyone in Year 8, deepening their understanding of the historical themes studied in class.
