‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations’: The Bishop of London & slavery in the tobacco colonies

Discover the hidden role of the Bishop of London in colonial slavery in this free talk with PhD researcher Eleanor Hex.

From c.1675 the Bishop of London was commonly referred to as the ‘Bishop of the Colonies’, but what did this practically look like for those living in these spaces?

Focusing on Virginia as a case study, PhD student Eleanor Hex will bring light to the imbedded theological call of Jesus in the Gospels to convert those of all nations. This ‘Great Commission’ was a call from Jesus for His disciples to go forth and teach the gospel, baptising people and teaching them to obey His commandments.

In this talk, Eleanor will explore how this mission shaped the structure of the colonial Church, moving from the Bishops to their commissaries, through to the clergy and ultimately to their enslaved parishioners.

This talk is part of the Fulham Palace Black History 365 event series where we re-examine historical narratives and bring to the forefront the voices of those who have been marginalised.

About the speaker

Eleanor Hex is a second-year CHASE funded PhD researcher working on a collaborative doctoral award between the University of Kent and Fulham Palace. Eleanor’s research focuses around the Bishops of London and their connections to systems of enslavement in the tobacco colonies. Earlier this year she undertook a research trip to Virginia and Maryland- she will happily wax lyrical about this at any opportunity so feel free to ask her any questions!

Event details

• This talk is part of the Black History event series.
• This event is suitable for ages 16+.
• This is a free talk, donations are gladly accepted.
• This talk is approximately one hour.
• This talk may be filmed.