Sue Bray, from the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, made a welcome return, to talk about Francis Barber. Francis was a young black slave, who was brought to England by Colonel Richard Bathhurst, whose son was a close friend of Johnson. The Bathhursts sent Francis to Johnson as a valet, just after the death of Johnson’s wife.
When Colonel Bathhurst died he left Francis £12 and his freedom. After serving some time as an apothecary in London, he ran away to sea.
Dr. Johnson arranged for his discharge, and paid for his education. Johnson came to rely on him as a secretary as well as a valet. When Johnson died he left Francis Barber an annuity of £70 and a gold watch.
On March 30th at the Senior Citizens Centre Broadmeadow Lane, 3.00 pm until 8.00pm we are opening our archives for public viewing, everyone welcome.
We hope to arrange a coach trip to the National Arboretum, at Alrewas in June or July.
Coffee mornings are at the Senior Citizens centre at 10.00 am
Coffee morning speakers:-
February 16th Women in Focus Derek Tamea
March 16th Local Murders Anthony Hunt
March 30th Archive Viewing
April 20th Hanging Ladies Alan Rose
April 22nd St. Georges Day at Harrisons.
May 18th National Memorial Roger Halewood
The AGM will be in June NOT July as previously advertised