Black history

Closer to home - Black History Month

Northamptonshire has a rich cultural heritage, with residents and business owners from all cultures and faiths. Kettering in particular has played a massive role in the development of black history, both locally and in fact globally.

From the discovery of artifacts proving the nobility of black Romans visiting the region, right up to 1948 to 1973, and the arrival of the Windrush generation who came to the UK following WWII. The British Government began to recruit people from the Caribbean Commonwealth to help rebuild the damaged economy. Many of these people found a home in Northamptonshire and started families, and now call the UK their home.

But it was in 1833 that Kettering played its biggest part in the history of black people. William Knibb, born in Kettering in 1803, is widely acknowledged for his work towards the freeing of slaves.

After returning from Jamaica, where he was persecuted for his views on anti-slavery, he famously held a programme of lectures across Britain, which championed the importance of emancipation, which led to a campaign and the abolition of the slave trade in 1833.

The story of William Knibb is incredibly complicated.

Last updated 18 December 2023