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Policy Exchange's "History Matters Project"
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Prosperity • People • Place • Patriotism
History Matters Project:
a compendium of evidence

This is the eighth edition of our rolling compendium, which attempts to draw together a range of recent developments that turn on the place of history in the public square – including the removal of certain statues on public display, the renaming of buildings and places, and changes to the way history is taught in educational curricula. In cataloguing these examples, we do not offer any judgment on the actions of the individual or institution in question, today or in the past. Our aim is simply to provide a clear documentary record of what is happening – which can help inform public debate on these issues. At present, the evidence confirms that history is the most active front in a new culture war, and that action is being taken widely and quickly in a way that does not reflect public opinion or growing concern over our treatment of the past.

 

Policy Exchange renews a call for evidence asking museum directors, curators, teachers and the wider public to share their experiences and concerns about the ways in which history is being politicised, and sometimes distorted, sending their evidence to callforevidence@policyexchange.org.uk.


Contents 

1. Policy Exchange History Matters Conference
2. New legal protection for England’s heritage
3. Policy Exchange Paper – Churchill
4. Bristol City Council
5. City of London
6. Ealing Council – Havelock Road
7. Hackney Council – Cassland Road Gardens
8. Newham Council – Maryland Ward
9. Haringey Council – Black Boy Lane
10. Aberdeen City Council
11. South Kesteven District Council
12. Carmarthenshire County Council
13. Exeter City Council – General Buller Statue
14. Hammersmith and Fulham Council
15. Denbighshire County Council
16. Wales Audit
17. Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm - London
18. British Library – Ted Hughes
19. Tate Britain
20. Royal Collection
21. Museums Galleries Scotland
22. National Museum Wales
23. The Hunterian Museum
24. Greene King Pubs
25. Merchant Taylors’ School – Clive House
26. Exeter School
27. Beckford Primary School
28. Roedean School
29. Howden Juniors School
30. Education Secretary
31. Captain James Cook
32. Sir Tom Devine – Dundas Memorial
33. Order of the British Empire
34. Richard Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax MP
 
1. Policy Exchange History Matters Conference

Policy Exchange welcomed the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport at the History Matters Project Conference. In an hour-long conversation, followed by Q&A with Trevor Phillips OBE, Chair of the History Matters Project, the Culture Secretary encouraged museums and other institutions not to be "pushed around by noisy campaign groups".
 
He said his message to museums, galleries and other institutions was: "Just think as institutions about your wider duty to the nation; your wider duty to conserve and preserve our heritage. Don’t allow yourself to be pushed around by the zeitgeist of the day; take a longer-term view of things; make sure you do things in a rigorous way; and understand that your principal duty is to preserve and conserve our heritage."
 
He also distinguished between ‘activism’ and ‘debate’ saying his concern “lies in that we avoid the situation where a group of people purport to speak for a larger community and don’t”.
 
The conference was the first event to bring together leading decision-makers and professionals in the museums and galleries sector and other experts in order to develop new public policy approaches than can be applied broadly.
 
It included a panel discussion on statues and the public space chaired by Peter Ainsworth, Chair of The Heritage Alliance and another on museums and galleries chaired by Nicholas Coleridge CBE, Chair of the Victoria and Albert Museum. 
 
Watch the event here on YouTube.
 
Sources: 
Policy Exchange - History Matters Conference - Tuesday 2nd March 2021
Policy Exchange – History Matters Project - Homepage
 
2. New legal protection for England’s heritage
 
Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has announced that the removal of any historic unlisted statue, plaque, memorial or monument would now be “subject to an explicit requirement to obtain planning permission” and that councils will “need to do so in accordance with their constitution, after consultation with the local community.”

In a Written Ministerial Statement, he said:
“I would like to update the House about the role of the planning system in relation to the protection of historic statues, plaques, memorials and monuments. I am concerned that, over the last few months, some such heritage assets may have been removed without proper debate, consultation with the public and due process.

Indeed, the removal of a statue in Bristol was an act of criminal damage. We should never tolerate criminal acts and mob rule.

This Government is committed to ensuring our nation’s heritage is appropriately protected. It is important that all decisions on removing historic statues, plaques (which are part of a building and whose alteration or removal materially affects the external appearance of the building), memorials and monuments - even for a temporary period - are taken in accordance with the law and following the correct process. Decisions to remove any such heritage assets owned by a local authority should be taken in accordance with its constitution, following consultation with the local community and interested parties, and the rationale for a decision to remove should be transparent.

The planning system plays a crucial role conserving and enhancing our heritage. Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, listed building consent from the local planning authority is required for the removal or alteration of a statue, plaque, memorial or monument which is designated as a listed building, or which forms part of a listed building, where it affects the special historic or architectural character of the listed building.

Paragraph 193 of the National Planning Policy Framework already states that great weight should be given to the conservation of a designated heritage asset. Paragraph 195 also requires that where development will lead to substantial harm to a designated heritage asset, local planning authorities should refuse consent, unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or total loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss.

I would also like to remind local planning authorities of the current requirements to notify Historic England and the national amenity societies of applications involving the demolition of a listed building. In those cases, where local planning authorities are minded to grant consent for the removal of a listed statue, plaque, memorial or monument despite an extant objection from Historic England or one of the national amenity societies, they are required to notify the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government who will then consider whether to call in the application or not. Where an extant objection is in relation to a listed building consent application made by Historic England or a local authority itself, the local planning authority must refer it to the Secretary of State for determination.

At present, these notification requirements do not apply in relation to Grade II listed buildings where the removal of a statue, plaque, memorial or monument constitutes an alteration to a listed building rather than demolition. I intend to exercise my powers to direct local planning authorities that these types of application are subject to the same notification requirements as for applications involving the demolition of a listed building.

It is also important that the removal of historic statues, plaques, memorials and monuments which are not listed are subject to proper process. These heritage assets can often be well known local landmarks, but unless they meet certain size thresholds, their removal will not be currently classified as development for planning purposes and so not subject to planning control.

I am today therefore setting out my intention to make the removal of any historic unlisted statue, plaque, memorial or monument subject to an explicit requirement to obtain planning permission. I also intend to require local planning authorities to adhere to similar notification requirements as for listed building consent applications involving listed statues, plaques, memorials and monuments. This will require Directions and changes to secondary legislation including the permitted development right for the demolition of buildings.

In considering any applications to remove a historic statue, plaque, memorial or monument (whether a listed building or not), local planning authorities should have regard to the government’s clear policy on heritage (summarised as ‘retain and explain’) as set out by the Minister for Digital Infrastructure to Parliament on 25 September 2020. This statement now forms part of national planning policy and should be applied accordingly.

Historic statues, plaques, memorials and monuments should not be removed before a decision on the application is made.

I would also draw local planning authorities’ attention to the advice Historic England has published to support decision making involving heritage whose story or meaning has become challenged (Checklist to help local authorities to deal with contested heritage listed building decisions). As they note, “Our stance on historic statues and sites which have become contested is to retain and explain them; to provide thoughtful, long lasting and powerful reinterpretation that responds to their contested history and tells the full story.”

The new legislation and Directions referred to in this Statement will come into effect in the Spring.

I would like to make clear that, as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, I have wide discretion to ‘call in’ planning applications or recover appeals for my own determination, not least because of the controversy attached to such decisions. I will not hesitate to use those powers in relation to applications and appeals involving historic statues, plaques, memorials or monuments where I consider such action is necessary to reflect the Government’s planning policies as set out above.

In conclusion, this Government believes it is always right to examine Britain’s history, but the knee-jerk removal of statues does harm rather than good. Our aim should be to use heritage to educate people about all aspects of Britain’s past rather than censoring our shared British history.”
 
Trevor Phillips, chair of Policy Exchange’s History Matters Project, said it was “welcome to see ministers showing the courage to provide a space to debate how best to mark the past”.

“It may move many to study and reflect on their own histories before rushing to judgement; and a chance to decide through calm, informed debate instead of caving into the loudest voices.”

“It’s even possible that, for once, many of those who are most impassioned might take the chance to learn more of the background and to listen to the opinions of those they claim to be defending”.
Read the full article here.

Read the official press release on the new legal protection for England’s heritage here.

Sources: 
Planning and Heritage Update, Statement made on 18 January 2021, Robert Jenrick, UK Parliament
Gov.uk, Press release: New legal protection for England’s heritage
Statue protection will allow decisions to be made 'through calm, informed debate instead of caving into the loudest voices', Danielle Sheridan, The Telegraph
Research Reveals 150 Statues & Streets Targets In Culture War, Guido Fawkes, 18/01/2021
Statue wars: what should we do with controversial monuments?, Zareer Masani, The Spectator
 
3. Policy Exchange Paper – Churchill
 
On 11 February 2021, Churchill College, Cambridge – in collaboration with the Churchill Archive Centre, which is part of the College – hosted a panel discussion entitled ‘The Racial Consequences of Churchill’, during which a series of factually incorrect remarks were made about Sir Winston Churchill and concerning several major historical events. On 28th February, Policy Exchange published a paper – written by Andrew Roberts and Zewditu Gebreyohanes, with a foreword by the Rt Hon Sir Nicholas Soames – looking at the conference, highlighting and analysing many of the claims that were made.

Read the paper here.

Watch the Churchill College event here.

Sources: 
The Racial Consequences of Mr Churchill, 12th February 2021 in Churchill, Empire and Race, Churchill College Cambridge
The Racial Consequences of Mr Churchill - Youtube
Statement from Churchill College on its programme Churchill, Empire and Race - 25th February 2021
 
4. Bristol City Council
 
Reparations for slavery have been approved by Bristol City Council. The motion to provide financial support and address “the uncomfortable truth that lighter skin did (and continues to) confer greater advantage” was passed 47 votes to 12 by the Labour council.

Full Council resolves: 
To call on Councillors, the Mayor or the Chief Executive as appropriate to: 
  1. Write to the Speakers of both Houses of the UK Parliament, Chair of the Commons’ Women and Equalities Committee, and Chair of the Commons’ Home Affairs Committee to express Bristol City Council’s view that they should consider establishing, and seeking UK Government support for, an All-Party Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry. The purpose of this unprecedented commission would be to work on the scope of how reparations may be delivered and may also include for example raising concerns about how tax payers were until 2015 paying back compensation paid to enslavers.
  2. Support Afrikan Heritage Community (AHC) organisations in Bristol to galvanise support for the emerging Bristol AHC led 'Reparations Plan' from, and in collaboration with, wider stakeholders including institutions, city strategic leaders, corporate leaders, key strategic programmes/initiatives and cross-party politicians.
  3. Implement Community Wealth Creation strategies that support and encourage community wealth building to produce more sustainable equitable growth whilst alleviating systemic poverty. The social economy, civil society and community wealth are the key to fair employment and equitable growth. The community wealth building model of economic development is emerging in our cities and communities offering real, on-the-ground solutions to localities and regions battered by successive waves of extraction, disinvestment, displacement, and disempowerment. If the source of racial injustice in the twenty-first century is the economic injustice or domination of the global economy established in the seventeenth century, then a more just economy is the only way to sustainably achieve racial justice.
  4. Recognise that reparative justice should be driven by Afrikan Heritage Communities experiences, voices and perspectives to ensure that advocacy messages not only reflect but also respond to the real needs of the community in order to recognise inequalities.
5. City of London
 
Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has written a letter to ask the City of London to reconsider plans to remove statues. 

“In recent months, Government colleagues and I have read a number of pronouncements by the City of London on how it may be minded to remove statues and rename street names within your local authority. I understand this stems from a report by a taskforce that is being considered by councillors. Given these matters have attracted national scrutiny and controversy, I thought it may be useful to outline the Government’s position and planned changes in legislation which will affect your unique local authority. 

In a statement to the House of Commons on 18 January, I outlined a change to national planning policy on the protection of historic statues, plaques, memorials and monuments. This was accompanied by guidance on how the ‘call in’ criteria will be interpreted, and I also signalled that planning regulations will shortly be amended to bring non-listed works into the planning system. I explained: ‘this Government believes it is always right to examine Britain’s history, but the removal of statues does harm rather than good. Our aim should be to use heritage to educate people about all aspects of Britain’s past’. 

On 30 January, my Department also published proposed amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework which will incorporate this change to planning policy into the Framework, to ensure greater clarity for planners. Such a policy position reflects that taken by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, which is the lead department for heritage. This was outlined by DCMS Ministers in Parliament on 25 September 2020. Ministers explained: ‘This country has a long and well-established tradition of commemorating its national and local dignitaries with statues... the back story of some of those individuals and their place in history is ridden with moral complexity. Statues and other historical objects were created or obtained by generations with different perspectives and different understandings of right and wrong... the Government want organisations to retain and explain, not remove, our heritage.’ 

Historic England has provided advice on how local authorities should make decisions on so-called ‘contested heritage.’ As they assert: “Our stance on historic statues and sites which have become contested is to retain and explain them; to provide thoughtful, long lasting and powerful reinterpretation that responds to their contested history and tells the full story.” 

These principles similarly apply not just to statues, but other aspects of our heritage, including street names. As a unique local authority with unique status compared to others, I hope you will consider this national advice carefully, given you are seen as a leading authority. 

The Corporation of London is itself a product of the City’s rich history. It is in the City’s own interests that heritage and tradition are given robust protection. I am placing this letter in the public domain, and I hope this feedback is helpful in your careful consideration.”
 
Source: 
Protecting Heritage In the City of London, Letter from Robert Jenrick to the City of London
 
6. Ealing Council – Havelock Road
 
Havelock Road in Ealing, named after Major General Sir Henry Havelock KCB, will be renamed ‘Guru Nanak Road’ after the founder of Sikhism. 
 
Results of the Public Consultation:
 
The full results are now available alongside the original consultation document. In summary:
  • From the section of Havelock Road to be re-named, out of an eligible 57 households, there were 8 returns giving a 14%response rate. Of the 8 returns 5 households (62%) support the name change and 2 households (25%) oppose it.  
  • From the section of Havelock Road which is not to be re-named, out of an eligible 288 households, there were 8 returns giving a 3% response rate. Of the 8 returns 2 households (25%) support the name change and 5 households (62%) oppose it. 
  • Combining the Havelock Road returns, out of an eligible 345 households, there were 16 returns giving a 5% response rate. Of the 16 returns 7 households (44%) support the name change and 7 (44%) oppose it.
  • There were 429 returns from Households outside of Havelock Road. Of the 429 returns 241 households (56%) support the name change and 178 (41%) oppose the name change.
  • From the combined Havelock Road returns Guru Nanak Road is the preferred name. From the returns outside of Havelock Road Guru Nanak Way is the preferred name.
 
In a statement, the council said:
 
Following the decision by cabinet on 14 July to celebrate and commemorate the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, it has been decided to make an order to rename part of Havelock Road. 
 
The part of the road to be renamed lies between King Street and Merrick Road and includes the location of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall. 
 
Consultation took place with residents and businesses directly impacted by the change, the Royal Mail and the emergency services. 
 
The decision to make the change is also being taken in accordance with the Street Naming Protocol which confirms that any change proposal should ‘respect and balance cultural and historical identities, sensitivities, and heritage’.
 
The name change will come into effect early in 2021 and the council will be writing to households, businesses and organisations impacted in advance of the change.
 
Councillor Kamaljit Dhindsa, cabinet member for business and community services said: “I welcome this change.  Ealing’s diversity is our strength and we have to make sure that the places we live reflect that diversity through our street names and buildings.”
 
The council has also put in place an equality commission which will report back to the council by May 2021 with a review of all structural inequalities in Ealing. The 12-person commission will consider three key questions:
 
How structural inequalities are impacting on race and outcomes.
Identifying how race inequality can be addressed and prevented in the future.
To what extent the history of Ealing’s built environment is impacting and perpetuating inequality.
Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council said: “Ealing’s independent equality commission will explore what residents and businesses believe can be done to reduce inequality while improving outcomes. It will look at education, employment, crime and justice, health and housing, among others.  The decision to rename one of Ealing's roads reflects the importance of celebrating the borough’s diversity and is a timely celebration of Guru Nanak's birthday on 30 November.”
 
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall moved to its current location in 1997 and was inaugurated by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. It is the largest Gurdwara organisation outside of India.
 
The free kitchen on the site offers thousands of free meals seven-days a week to local residents in need.
 
The council’s decision to make the order to rename part of Havelock Road to Guru Nanak Road will be available shortly on the council’s website.
 
Harmeett Singh, general secretary of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwara, said the council's decision “contains an element of cultural appropriation”.
“Those upset by the use of his name feel it degenerates the level of respect that should be given. Others in the community welcome the move to recognise the Sikh contribution to the local area.
“There isn't a Prophet Muhammed road, or Lord Krishna street, or for that matter, it is uncommon to have an Abraham, or Moses, or even Jesus road.
“The issue is more the designation of Guru Nanak Dev Jee. We consider him to be not a prophet of god but instead a manifestation of God.”
 
Sources: Southall road to be named after Guru Nanak – Ealing Council – 25/11/2020
 
Havelock Road - Proposed street name change consultation – Ealing Council
 
Policy Exchange History Matters Project – Compendium of Evidence – Second Edition
 
7. Hackney Council – Cassland Road Gardens
 
Hackney Council has removed the signs of the Cassland Road Gardens, named after Sir John Cass. In a statement, the council said:

“The name of a slave owner has been removed from entrance signs to a Hackney park in the first action of Hackney Council’s review into the naming of landmarks and public spaces. 

The removal of the Cassland Road Gardens signs, which took place on Saturday, was the first recommendation by a community steering group made up of local cultural historians, community leaders, young people and other residents, following the launch of the review earlier this year.

The Council will start a process with local residents in January to consider a new name for the park.

Cassland Road Gardens was named after Sir John Cass – a politician and director of the Royal African Company making substantial profits from the enslavement of African people in the 16th and 17th centuries. Documents show that he was on the ‘committee of correspondence’ who dealt directly with slaving agents and made decisions on the life and death of slaves. 

The removal of the signs was in the presence of Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville, Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Human Resources, and members of the Community Steering Group set up by the Council to oversee the review. 

“This is a historic and powerful moment for Hackney and demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity in our borough. We are not erasing our history, but now truly reckoning with our past.

Taking this action in the present means that we can now look to the future, and thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Steering Group, residents and Council staff, we can look forward to naming our public spaces after people that better reflect our pride in our diversity.

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney, and Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Human Resources”

“I think I can speak for most Hackney residents when I say we no longer want signs named after slave traders or people who have created crimes against humanity.

We want to create place names where people can feel comfortable and proud. As a descendant of a slave, I did not feel comfortable in Cassland Road Gardens and I want to thank the community for helping us make this significant step.

Jermain Jackman, Co-Chair, Hackney Young Futures Commission”

Residents are now invited to suggest names via the new Hackney Naming Hub - an online platform to collect names of hidden histories within Hackney. The Hub seeks to address underrepresentation in the public realm and positively acknowledge all our diverse and migrant communities, women, LGBTQI+ communities, disabled people and the working classes.

Residents can also attend the 'Representing African & Caribbean Communities in our Public Place Names' online event on Wednesday 9 December.”

Find the council’s interactive map to “crowdsource suggestions that have a local connection and reflect the borough’s values of equality, anti-racism, innovation and community activism” here.

Sources:
Historic moment as first slave owner name removed from gardens – Hackney Council – 08/12/2020
Hackney Naming Hub – Interactive Map
 
 
8. Newham Council – Maryland Ward
 
Newham Council is planning to ask Transport for London to consider renaming Maryland Station because of the name’s possible link to a figure in the “colonial government of North America”. In the New electoral arrangements for Newham Council report, the Local Government Boundary Commission said:

“We received suggestions from the Council and a resident that Maryland ward should be renamed New Town because of the name’s possible links to a prominent figure in the colonial governments of North America. The Council is also planning to ask Transport for London to consider renaming the railway station. Other evidence casts doubt on the origins of the name and points to earlier place name derivations. The Council acknowledges that there is uncertainty about the matter. 

Whilst recognising that this may be a sensitive local matter, it is clear that there is a community that identifies itself as living in Maryland. Maryland Community Group’s persuasive submission used the prevalence of the name across schools, parks and transport infrastructure to demonstrate community identity. The name was also used by others making submissions. By contrast, New Town only comprises a portion of the proposed new ward rather than the totality of the ward’s community. 

Accordingly, by naming this ward Maryland, we are simply reflecting the community, as we understand it, that exists today. However, in the five years following a review, a local authority may seek the Commission’s agreement to change the name of a ward if this reflects community identity and sentiment. After five years, a local authority may make a change without seeking the agreement of the Commission.”

Source: 
New electoral arrangements for Newham Council - Final Recommendations - November 2020 – Local Government Boundary Commission
 
9. Haringey Council – Black Boy Lane
 
Haringey Council is to rename Black Boy Lane. Two consultations have so far taken place with the most recent closing on 19 February 2021. In December, the council had published the following explanation of the process:

“The Committee received a report which set out the Council’s proposed approach to the potential renaming of Black Boy Lane. The report sought to inform the Committee of the process and the timetable involved. The report was introduced by Rob Krzyszowski, Head of Policy, Transport & Infrastructure Planning and Jonathan Unger, Local Land Charges & Property Gazetteer Manager as set out at pages 211- 222 of the agenda pack. The following was noted in discussion of the report: 
  1. The Committee sought clarification around the level of potential costs involved in this scheme, in response officers advised that no decision had yet been taken in relation to costs but that the administration did feel that it was appropriate to make a voluntary payment to residents to cover the costs of having to change their address. 
  2. The Committee welcomed the proposal to change the street name and suggested that this sent a strong message about what type of borough this was and what type of borough the authority wanted to create. In response to some ongoing discussion within the community about the exact meaning of the name, the Committee suggested that what was important was what that name meant today and the racist connotations therein. 
  3. The Committee also felt that in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, it was an auspicious moment to change the name and that a similar moment was unlikely to come around again. The Committee emphasized the fact that symbolism was important and that the borough’s street names had to represent of the views of its residents. 
  4. The Deputy Chair of the Committee also endorsed the proposal but cautioned that what was needed was lasting structural change, to tackle the inequalities faced by many of the borough’s residents and that it was important that the Council worked to tackle this structural inequality, as well as making largely symbolic changes to the names of streets.”
10. Aberdeen City Council
 
An Aberdeen Councillor has lodged a motion to “instruct the chief officer of city growth at Aberdeen City Council to report back to the city growth and resources committee on the practicalities and projected costs of identifying locations and street names with links to slavery”.
Councillor Yuill

That this Council:
  1. Notes and regrets that slavery, human trafficking and other oppressive activities occur in the UK and around the world;
  2. Notes that a number of locations and street names in Aberdeen have historical links to slavery and slavery products;
  3. Notes that Sugar House Lane already has an information plaque explaining the origins of the street name and its links to slavery products; and
  4. Instructs the Chief Officer - City Growth to report to the City Growth and Resources Committee on the practicalities and projected costs of identifying locations and street names in Aberdeen with links to slavery and slavery products and then erecting appropriate information plaques at each location.
11. South Kesteven District Council
 
Plans to erect a bronze statue of The Rt Hon Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven LG, in Grantham have been approved. In a statement to Cabinet, the leader of South Kesteven District Council said:

Statement to Cabinet meeting, 1 December 2020

“The unveiling event for the statue of the late Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven cannot be disputed as a major event for her hometown of Grantham and the wider South Lincolnshire area, to promote the District of South Kesteven to both national and international audiences.

I understand there is great debate about the legacy of Baroness Thatcher, indeed over the last few days we've seen this play out across both local and national press, and social media.

As our communities bear the brunt of the economic fall out of the pandemic - with many businesses and tourist attractions struggling for their survival - this event will, undoubtedly, draw a large number of visitors to the area. Importantly, the statue and unveiling event will give a much needed boost to our local economy.
As we would all expect, an event of this scale does incur significant costs. That's why the report approved unanimously at the Cabinet meeting recommended that the cost of this event is financed through a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

This is a very crucial point - my expectation and that of our Cabinet is that the cost of the event will be fully met through donations and not the public purse. The Council will simply be providing a cash flow situation to support the forward funding of the event of up to £100,000.

The fundraising has already started and donors have already been in touch to make this a success. The potential is that the fundraising will exceed the amount required and a contribution can also be made to support Grantham Museum with its exhibition on the late Baroness Thatcher as well as the ongoing maintenance of the statue.

The Statue was privately funded by individuals and our firm expectation is this will be the same for the unveiling event. The plinth and associated paving is already installed on St Peter's Hill green after planning consent was granted by our Planning Committee at South Kesteven District Council.

For an event of this scale, the approved report recommended that we use an experienced events company to ensure that the event operates safely and effectively. The event will have a person of significant national importance to unveil the statue. Therefore a well run and safe event is vital with the right specialists advising with the preparation and on the day to keep both residents and visitors safe.

In what is one of the most challenging periods of our lifetime, holding a major event when we are out from the pandemic, can maximise the opportunities for our local economy and is, I believe, the right thing to do for our communities and businesses.”

Sources: 
SKDC Leader statement to Cabinet on the Baroness Thatcher Statue – South Kesteven District Council
Plans approved for Margaret Thatcher statue – South Kesteven Council
 
12. Carmarthenshire County Council
 
Carmarthenshire County Council will add an information board to the statue of Sir Thomas Picton referencing “his well known links to slavery”.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED 
14.1 that Information Boards be prominently placed near the Picton Monument with due regard to accessibility, to include a QR code; 
14.2 that an Information Board be placed at a prominent site within the grounds of the Monument; 14.3 that a further Information Board be erected in the vicinity of the Court Room at the Guildhall, where a portrait of Sir Thomas Picton is displayed; 
14.4 that any Information Boards should reference the local history of the area and also the history of Sir Thomas Picton, encompassing his military career as well as his known links with slavery.

Source: 
Carmathenshire County Council Executive Board Monday, 21st December, 2020
 
13. Exeter City Council – General Buller Statue
 
A recommendation to apply for planning permission and start a consultation on the possible relocation of Exeter’s Buller Statue has been withdrawn following the new legal protections for heritage announced by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Exeter City Council had asked to approve an application to relocate the statue of General Buller. General Sir Redvers Buller, VC, GCB, GCMG served as Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in South Africa during the early months of the Second Boer War and subsequently commanded the army in Natal until November 1900. A petition to save the statue attracted over 1300 signatures.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “In light of the comments by the Secretary of State my Executive will be asked to amend the recommendations, and we will not be submitting a planning application to relocate the Buller statue.

“But I must stress that we will be addressing the issues which first brought this to the attention of many councillors.

“There are a number of important recommendations about equality and diversity in our city that we will be taking forward. The Council should look to make sure we are doing all we can to be aware of the particular images and messages that public art and monuments may express, and strive to make these as representative of our inclusive and diverse communities as possible.”

Exeter Executive Council said:
“This report asks Members to withdraw their support for proceeding with consultation, via listed building consent, for the relocation of Exeter’s statue of General Buller.

Reasons for the recommendation: 
Subsequent announcements by The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.”

Sources:  
Exeter City Council Executive, 9 February 2021
Recommendation to consult on relocating Buller Statue set to be withdrawn - 1 February 2021
Save Exeter's Statue of Sir Redvers Buller – Change.org
Councillors to discuss the future of Exeter’s Buller statue – Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council – Executive Agenda – January 2021
 
14. Hammersmith and Fulham Council
 
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has announced it will review “street and building names, plaques and any historical links with slavery and colonialism”.

“We’re taking pride in Hammersmith & Fulham and reviewing street and building names, plaques and any historical links with slavery and colonialism.

Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, has commissioned this review to seek recommendations on how the borough can best honour and represent inclusivity and diversity in our public realm.

The work will:
  • review the Hammersmith & Fulham Council coat of arms and make recommendations
  •  review the public realm (street and building names, plaques, statues and other memorials, murals and street art)
  • document, educate and tell the history of colonialism and slavery linked to the borough
  • review existing policies governing the naming of streets and buildings, as well as the placement of monuments, art and other potential fixtures on the public realm to improve inclusivity and diversity.
The working group - chaired by H&F Deputy Leader, Cllr Sue Fennimore - will work at pace to consider historical records, archives and public perception, particularly considering the Black Lives Matter movement challenges.”

Source: 
Celebrating Hammersmith & Fulham’s heritage, 01/02/2021
 
15. Denbighshire County Council
 
Denbighshire County Council has decided that streets will no longer be named after individuals in case they become controversial. The council cabinet resolved that:

“Cabinet approve the following changes to the Street Naming and Numbering Policy – 
(i) all new streets are named in Welsh only, and 
(ii) the option to name streets after individuals be removed from the policy”

Source: 
Denbighshire County Council – Decisions taken by the Cabinet on Tuesday, 16 February 2021
 
16. Wales Audit
 
The Welsh Government has published an “Audit of Commemoration in Wales”. It finds that 209 streets, buildings, portraits or monuments “commemorate people directly involved with the slave trade or who opposed its abolition”. The reputations of Winston Churchill and Admiral Nelson have been “brought into question” and their public honours are “contentious”, the report states. A Freedom of Information request found that the cost of the audit was £17,014.

“The audit published today (Thursday 26 November 2020) shows the slave trade was embedded in the Welsh economy and society and reflected in many of our statues, street and building names today.
The audit identified 209 monuments, buildings or street names, located in all parts of Wales, which commemorate people who were directly involved with the slavery and the slave trade or opposed its abolition. These include:
  • 13 monuments, buildings, or street names commemorating people who took part in the African slave trade
  • 56 monuments, buildings, or street names commemorating people who owned or directly benefitted from plantations or mines worked by the enslaved
  • 120 monuments, buildings, or street names commemorating people who opposed abolition of the slave trade or slavery
  • 20 monuments, buildings, or street names commemorating people accused of crimes against Black people, notably in colonial Africa
The audit, led by Gaynor Legall, found that commemorations of people connected with the slave trade are often shown without any accompanying interpretation to address matters of contention. Without this, the figures are presented solely as role models rather than representatives of challenging aspects of the past.
The research also found there are alarmingly few Welsh people of Black or Asian heritage commemorated across Wales, showing there is a need to consider how we should celebrate the contributions that all parts of our community have made to our country.

The audit also unearthed a positive strand to Welsh history, highlighting the existence of commemorations to anti-slavery activists across Wales; from the statue of Henry Richard in Tregaron, to streets names for Samuel Romilly and the Pantycelyn halls of residence at Aberystwyth University.”

Sources:
The Slave Trade and the British Empire: An Audit of Commemoration in Wales
Over 200 Welsh statues, streets and buildings connected to the slave trade listed in nationwide audit – Press Release
Powys County Council Reviewing Historical Artefacts
Slavery Audit Report – Freedom of Information
 
17. Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm - London
 
The Mayor of London has approved up to £247,000 for the first phase of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm. He has also announced the 15 commission members. One appointee has since been forced to resign for antisemitism.

“On 9 June 2020, the Mayor of London announced the establishment of the Commission. It will review and improve diversity across London’s public realm to ensure the landmarks across the city reflect its diversity and achievements, focusing on increasing representation among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, women, the LGBTQ+ community and disability groups. The Mayor is asked to approve funding for the first phase of the Commission’s work involving recruitment to the Commission itself, gathering intelligence to support boroughs, community engagement and the development of an action plan for the Commission’s approval.

Total expenditure for this phase of the programme will be up to £247,000, including £110,000 which is subject to later approval under delegated powers through an Executive Director’s decision.”
 
Decision
That the Mayor approves:
Total expenditure of up to £247,000, to support the delivery and management of the work of the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm in 2020/21, including
  1. approval to spend £137,000 (£77,000 covering community engagement, recruitment costs, staffing costs and relevant expenses and £60,000 on mapping, research and best practice tools); and
  2. delegated authority to the Executive Director, Communities and Skills to approve detailed proposals for £110,000 towards a community fund which will be co-designed with the Commission
18. British Library – Ted Hughes
 
The British Library has apologised for including the poet Ted Hughes in a dossier on links to slavery. The Library's Printed Heritage Collections team identified Hughes as part of research to find evidence of “connections to slavery, profits from slavery or from colonialism” among the former owners of items. Hughes was distantly related to Nicholas Ferrar, born in 1592 and whose family was “deeply involved” with the London Virginia Company. In a statement, the British Library said:

Printed Heritage provenance research – withdrawal and apology

As part of the Library’s ongoing work to interpret and document the provenance and history of the printed collections under our care, curators have undertaken some research to identify collections associated with wealth obtained from enslaved people or through colonial violence. The aim is to share knowledge with researchers, so that they can judge whether these aspects are important to their understanding of the circumstances behind the creation of individual collections.

The Library is committed to openness around the provenance of the collections in our care and the initial findings from this research was recently published on our website in the form of a spreadsheet. However, early presentation of these findings has caused confusion and concern, particularly in relation to connections drawn between named individuals and their ancestors. We regret profoundly the distress that this has caused and have removed the spreadsheet pending a review of this research.

In particular we wish to apologise to Mrs Carol Hughes, widow of the late Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes, and to other family members and friends, owing to a reference included in the spreadsheet to a distant ancestor which should not have been made, and which we withdraw unreservedly. While the document involved has been removed pending review, this reference will not be made again. 

Source:
Printed Heritage provenance research – withdrawal and apology; British Library
 
19. Tate Britain
 

The Tate Britain’s ethics committee has 
said that the mural in the Rex Whistler restaurant titled ‘The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats’ was “unequivocally […] offensive”. The report pointed out that “the mural is a work of art in the care of trustees and that it should not be altered or removed”. The Tate did not confirm whether the restaurant would be moved or closed but said a review would take place, and that a decision was expected before any reopening.
 
CONSIDERATION OF THE REX WHISTLER MURAL 

a. Trustees noted information provided on the history of the mural in the Rex Whistler restaurant. They noted historic criticism of the work and recent activity. 

b. The Chair of the Ethics Committee updated Trustees on the Committee’s consideration of the mural. She noted previous discussion in 2013 and 2018. She noted that the Committee agreed that there is renewed urgency to reconsider the matter and recognised that previous interpretation had proved inadequate. Trustees noted the range of voices and expertise drawn on in both the information provided and in the meeting of the Ethics Committee, which was attended by former Artist Trustee John Akomfrah and Dr David Dibosa of the University of the Arts and Tate Britain Advisory Council, who had been asked to provide a discussion paper on the mural. 

c. The Chair of the Ethics Committee noted that members were unequivocal in their view that the imagery of the work is offensive. She informed Trustees of the view that the offence is compounded by the use of the room as a restaurant. Information has been exempted under Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 20002 It was noted that the mural is a work of art in the care of Trustees and that it should not be altered or removed. The Trustees noted the recommendation of the Committee. This was that the Executive Information has been exempted under Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 

d. The Director of Tate Liverpool updated Trustees in her capacity as Executive Group member of the new Race Equality Taskforce. She noted that discussion had also focused on the uncomfortable juxtaposition of the mural and an eating space. She noted the strength of feeling amongst staff that a constructive address of the issue would be welcomed. 

e. The Director welcomed the views of these groups Information has been exempted under Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 20002 

f. Trustees discussed the need to acknowledge the strength of feeling around the mural and the harm that its imagery has caused. 

g. Information has been exempted under Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 

h. It was summarised that the context around the mural has shifted decisively. Information has been exempted under Section 43 (2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Tate is tasked with protecting and promoting the understanding of the art in its care. Previous contextualisation of the imagery has not been adequate. Information has been exempted under Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Source: 
Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery held on Wednesday 16 September 2020
 
20. Royal Collection
 
62 Royal Collection artwork descriptions have been reviewed to include links to empire and slavery. These include:

The Defence of Rorke's Drift by Elizabeth Southerden Butler, Lady Butler (1846-1933):

[…]

“This work is connected to colonialism and imperialism. Like all Royal Collection records, this work is subject to ongoing research as Royal Collection Trust seeks to present fully the narratives represented in the Collection.”

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough by Pierre-Charles Bridan (1766-1836):

[…]

“The Duke of Marlborough was connected with the transatlantic slave trade and benefited from it financially.”
John Locke by Giovanni Battista Guelphi (Active 1715-34):

[…]

“Locke, Newton, Clarke and Woollaston were, the Magazine declared, ‘the Glory of their Country, and stamp’d a Dignity on human Nature…These great and worthy Men the Queen hath delighted to honour, and is the first crown’d Head in the World, who had uncommon Virtue enough to immortalize Men so absolutely in the Interests of Mankind, that all their political Principles were cultivated for their Good … When her Majesty consecrated these dead Heroes, she built herself a Temple in the Hearts of the People of England’. Locke was nevertheless connected with the transatlantic slave trade and supported it politically.”
 
In a statement, the Royal Collection Trust said:
“Royal Collection Trust has an ongoing programme of activities to research, display, loan and publish detailed records of objects in the Royal Collection, in order for a wide range of audiences to learn about the Collection and its history.
Displays and publicly available object records are continually under review.”
 
Sources: 
The Defence of Rorke's Drift – Royal Collection Trust
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough – Royal Collection Trust
John Locke – Royal Collection Trust
Policy Exchange History Matters Project
 
21. Museums Galleries Scotland
 
Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) has appointed Sheila Asante as Project Manager for Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums. In a statement, MGS said
 
Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) welcomes Sheila Asante as Project Manager for Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums: Addressing Our Colonial Legacy, a project to explore how the history of Scotland’s involvement in the British Empire, colonialism, and transatlantic slavery, can be told by Scotland’s museums.
 
This nationwide project will build on existing work from within the equalities sector and from across Scotland’s museums, to explore the mechanisms of how Scotland can confront challenging histories within museum spaces. It is sponsored by the Scottish Government and co-ordinated by MGS.
 
Central to Sheila’s extensive experience working with museums is her commitment to uncovering the history of Scotland’s links to colonialism and the trans-Atlantic trade in enslaved African people. This commitment is shown throughout her career, from the development of a ground-breaking exhibition for Edinburgh Museums to mark the bicentenary of abolition of the slave trade, to her two-year Migration Stories Fellowship at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
 
[…]

In order to better understand how the sector in Scotland is working in the area of race and inclusion MGS is currently asking museums and galleries who are pursuing or planning work in this area, especially on anti-racism, the legacies of slavery/empire, and decolonisation, to contact them. Contact can be made through a call to evidence at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PT3LNVJ/ by 5pm on Wednesday 6th January 2021.
 
During 2021 MGS will coordinate a national consultation, in collaboration with Glasgow Life, to establish public and expert perspectives on how museums can contribute to our understanding of the legacies of slavery and colonialism.
 
Source: 
MGS Appoints Project Manager: Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums
 
22. National Museum Wales
 
National Museum Wales, is offering a £12,000 commission to “reframe the colonial narrative around the portrait of Lieutenant-General Thomas Picton”.

“Amgueddfa Cymru and Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel Youth Leadership Network are inviting artists to help us reframe the colonial narrative around the portrait of Lieutenant-General Thomas Picton, which is currently on display in the galleries at National Museum Cardiff. Picton is a controversial figure previously hailed as a public hero, but who is today equally notorious for his cruel treatment of Black enslaved people and free people, and for sanctioning torture during his governance of Trinidad.

But Picton is also a distraction. The constant debate and focus on his story draws attention away from the stories and narratives that really matter today. Our vision is to commission a piece that reframes the narrative in a way which amplifies the voices of those originally neglected in the telling of Picton’s story, or those whose lives are most affected by its legacy today.

History is so often written by those in positions of authority or privilege that we would like to amplify the voices of those who relate to Trinidad and its culture through their personal and lived experience. We are looking for new voices to change the narrative in a way which centres and celebrates Black consciousness. In the words of the current President of Trinidad and Tobago Paula-Mae Weekes, ‘we can lament, blame or criticise, or we can consciously choose the alternative.’ Through this project we hope to choose the alternative.

Opportunity
We are looking for an artist, creative, performer or activist (individual or collective) to create an artwork that reframes the narrative.

We recognise that Black artists and artists from minoritised or racialised communities are often expected to create art for a white gaze, with pieces stemming from pain and trauma. This is not the case for this project. The real context of Picton will be featured separately, and if you are thinking of applying you do not have the responsibility or burden of that for your piece. We want to commission you to create, showcase and most importantly celebrate Trinidadian culture and layers of Blackness in whatever way you choose.

The work will be displayed in the galleries at National Museum Cardiff as part of an intervention co-curated by SSAP Youth Leaders, Amgueddfa Cymru Producers, and museum staff. It will also be acquired to become part of Wales’ national collection.

The art work may be in whatever media the artist chooses, keeping in mind that it will need to be transported to Cardiff and displayed in the galleries there.

Source: 
Reframing Picton: An open call commission for artists, creatives and activists. Get involved! Change the narrative! Tell our story!
 
23. The Hunterian Museum
 
The Hunterian Museum in Glasgow has employed a “Curator of Discomfort”. In a blog post, the new curator said our cultural heritage sites have been “complicit in perpetuating the ideologies of the previous centuries. That they set a comfortable narrative that has omitted Scotland’s complicity and direct involvement in slavery and colonialism. Therefore, re-writing this narrative will be a long process which will generate discomfort, but will also reveal a more truthful rendering of the past.”

[…]

In Scotland, the personal and specific historical contexts belonging to people of African, Caribbean and Asian descent link to empire, transatlantic slavery, colonialism and migration, each of which have an extensive impact on Scotland’s economic, demographic, environmental, cultural and social development. Despite this, the histories of these communities are not acknowledged and represented as well as they should be within history, heritage, arts and culture work in Scotland today.

One of the ways forward is to ensure that everyone understands what we mean by this legacy. To do this we need to acknowledge that the concept of different ‘races’ and ‘racial groups’ and the false notions of racial superiority developed during the 18th, 19th and early 20th century are not attitudes that have been left in the past. These ideologies were used to justify the buying and selling of human beings, genocide, looting and plundering. To validate these abhorrent acts an ideology had to be created and this was developed and influenced the social attitudes of the time.

In the present day, these notions still have an influence in all areas of life in Scotland to some degree, from social attitudes, to the way organisations are run, permitting inequalities for Black and minority ethnic people to continue over generations. This is known as ‘structural racism’. It can be seen on a personal level in people’s attitudes and behaviours; on a social level in how people talk to each other and make decisions; and on an institutional level in how organisations conduct their business (‘institutional racism’).

Most people now recognise that racist attitudes and language are unacceptable, but our cultural heritage sites are only now recognising they are not neutral and that for years they have been complicit in perpetuating the ideologies of the previous centuries. That they set a comfortable narrative that has omitted Scotland’s complicity and direct involvement in slavery and colonialism. Therefore, re-writing this narrative will be a long process which will generate discomfort, but will also reveal a more truthful rendering of the past.

Curating Discomfort is looking at ways outside of traditional museum authority to explore the interpretation of contested collections and to design and deliver a series of museum interventions that takes the museum out of the institutional comfort zone. Exploring white supremacy as an economic and cultural system in which white western ideals control the power of the text, the material resources and ideas of cultural superiority.
Discomfort is necessary for genuine change. Addressing the legacy is neither only about debating what we do with the statues honouring the people who perpetuated a racist ideology, nor is it redecorating the structures built from the proceeds of the transatlantic and empire trades. Addressing the legacy is dismantling the structural (and institutional) racism that is perpetuated today and transforming comfortable narratives to include the uncomfortable unvarnished truth.

Projects such as Curating Discomfort will not change things overnight. As the Macpherson report noted, radical thinking needs to be accompanied by sustained action. What we need to do is to collaborate with anti-racist activists, communities, academics, heritage institutions and heritage professionals, to find a way to build a bridge of trust that is strong enough to bear the weight of the truth we are trying it deliver.

Read the full blog post here.

Source: 
The Hunterian, Curating Discomfort, 11 February 2021
 
24. Greene King Pubs
 
Greene King will rename several pubs “where the existing names have racist connotations”. Three pubs called “The Black Boy” and one called “The Black’s Head” will be renamed. The origin of those names is unclear. In a statement, Greene King said:

“Greene King is moving to rename four pubs in its estate where the existing names have racist connotations, and will shortly be holding community votes on new names.

The pub company and brewer is renaming three pubs currently called The Black Boy, in Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Shinfield, as well as the Black’s Head in Wirksworth.

The renaming of these four pubs is part of Greene King’s inclusion and diversity strategy to champion equality and diversity within the company and further support people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Community groups are being notified ahead of an online poll shortly, so communities can pick from a list of suggestions for each of the four pubs.

The decision to change the name follows detailed consultation with a range of stakeholders and thorough research of the pubs’ histories.

While the pub name ‘Black Boy’ exists throughout the country, there is not a consensus on its origins and many of those consulted felt the name to be offensive and discriminatory.

Nick Mackenzie, Greene King CEO, said: “It is important to acknowledge our history but just as important to work proactively to eradicate racism in our society today.

“We have looked at pub deeds, consulted with colleagues and while the origins of these pub names are obscure what is clear is that there is a perception that they are linked with racism today and we want to make this positive change for the better.

“We know this is a decision that will attract a range of views and we’re conscious of the history and heritage of pub names. We’ve thought long and hard and feel this is the right thing to do as it is incredibly important to us that our pubs are warm and welcoming places for everyone as we continue on our journey to become a truly anti-racist organisation.

“We’re keen to involve local people in this project and look forward to working with them to choose a new and inclusive name for these pubs so they remain at the heart of communities.”

In 2020, Greene King pledged to significantly invest in initiatives to support more young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to begin a career in hospitality. As a result of this, last August, Greene King strengthened its partnership with the Prince’s Trust with a new five-year agreement, increasing funding by a third and pledging to create 1,000 opportunities for young people and an increased financial commitment to the charity linked to the diversity aims.

An employee-led group called Unity has also been created that represents Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and is formed from representatives across Greene King with the aim of creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Views from Unity were sought as part of Greene King’s consultation on how the names were perceived.

Last October also saw the launch of a year-long partnership between Greene King and the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool to raise awareness and educate about the historic transatlantic slave trade.”

Source: Greene King Takes Anti-Racist Stance by Changing Names of Four Pubs, Greene King, 14 January 2021
 
25. Merchant Taylors’ School – Clive House
 
Merchant Taylors’ School, an independent boys school in Northwood, has announced that Clive House would be renamed. In a statement, the school said:

Robert Clive has always been a controversial figure. Clive attended Merchant Taylors’ for only one year, and was expelled for fighting. His actions in India were the foundation of Empire, but were also questioned even by his own contemporaries, who rejected him from society. Clive’s suicide was attributed by Samuel Johnson to his sense of guilt at what he had done.

Thus, there has long been discussion as to whether it was right for Merchant Taylors’ School to name a House after Robert Clive.  Governors decided that, 100 years after the House system was instituted in 1921, we should revisit the question in 2021.  There has been much deliberation and consultation with current members of Clive House. The matter has also been discussed with the Chairman of the OMT Society, who supports their conclusion.  Governors have decided that, from this moment forward, Clive House will be renamed. 

It will now be named after John Raphael, usually known as Jack.  Jack Raphael was by far the most famous of the OMTs to die in the First World War, and is without doubt the greatest all-round sportsman the School has ever produced. 

Jack started at Merchant Taylors’ in September 1896.  He was in the School Cricket XI for five years from 1897, captaining the side for the last two years.  He set a record for the most number of runs scored across all public schools, and established a school record for the highest individual score of 175 not out, which lasted until 1990.  He also played in the School Rugby XV for four seasons, again as captain for the last two seasons at the School. He was, unsurprisingly, a Monitor.

He left us to go St, John’s College, Oxford. There, he won 14 Blues during his time at Oxford, which is still an individual record. Whilst still an undergraduate, he captained Surrey CCC.  He also achieved his career-best performance with the bat for Oxford University against Yorkshire, scoring 201 from a total of 374.
However, he is most famous as a rugby player, playing nine times for England. He captained "The British Combined Team" tour to Argentina in 1910, the first side to visit the country and a precursor to what later became the British Lions team. Jack Raphael was the most versatile and one of the best young British sportsmen in the 20th century. One can only imagine, had the First World War not broken out, where his career would have gone. Would he have continued playing elite cricket and elite rugby? If so, that would have been unparalleled.

At the outbreak of war, he enlisted into the Honourable Artillery Company, alongside many of the other OMTFC 1st XV.  On 7th June 1917, Jack was part of the Battle of Messines.  On that first day of the battle, Jack was injured by an exploding shell in a forward trench; he made sure all the injured of his men had been treated or carried off before calmly asking for assistance himself; he died of his wounds four days later. 
A fellow officer, who was with him when he was wounded, later wrote: “I have seen many men in many parts of the world under all sorts of conditions, but never in my experience have I been so impressed by such a magnificent display of sheer pluck and unselfishness. 

During the three days he lived, he was bright and cheerful, never talked about himself, but was very concerned about everything but himself.”

He was described by contemporaries as a rising young politician, a writer for the Press, a traveller, sportsman and soldier, one of the most chivalrous and devoted of sons, an ardent worker for social reform, a loyal friend, of him it may be said: ‘If character be destiny, then his is assured’.

The addition of a sportsman to the other individuals who have Houses named after them adds a pleasing range to the mix of achievements. I think that current and future pupils of Raphael House will be able to look to Jack Raphael as an exemplar and an inspiration.

Source:
Merchant Taylors’ School – Clive House – 01/09/2021
 
26. Exeter School
 
Exeter School, a co-educational day school in Exeter, has said some of the names of the School houses “are associated with historical figures with less than positive connotations when viewed from a modern-day perspective.”. In an email to pupils seen by Policy Exchange, the School said it would ensure “that, going forward, the names of the school’s pastoral houses represent the values and inclusive nature of Exeter School today.”
 
Read the full email below:

“I am writing to seek your views on a matter that I know is close to many of your hearts – the Exeter School House System.  We have created a short online survey for you to complete. 

Exeter School has made a commitment to be a more inclusive school and to help pupils to see how the school fits into a diverse and inclusive society. As such, as well as seeking the views of current pupils and staff, we are also keen to hear from our alumni community and the wider family of the school.

We have recently published our “Charter for Inclusion” which sets out our aims and responsibilities together with the actions we are taking. As well as listening to and gathering the thoughts of the school community, we are also committed to raising awareness, widening our network to include a broader range of people, empowering our pupils’ voices through an Equalities Forum, partnering with other schools and reviewing our history, in particular our house names.

As you will probably recall, we have ten houses in the Senior School which form the backbone of our pastoral system. Some of the names of the houses are associated with historical figures with less than positive connotations when viewed from a modern-day perspective. We are undertaking to research the lives of these nine men and one woman and ensure that, going forward, the names of the school’s pastoral houses represent the values and inclusive nature of Exeter School today.

We would be very grateful if you could find some time to complete the online survey by 22nd January 2020.
You can access the survey by clicking here.

Your views on this subject are especially important to us and we welcome your feedback.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Kind regards

Louise Simpson
Head”
 
Source:
Policy Exchange History Matters Project – Call for Evidence
 
27. Beckford Primary School
 
Beckford Primary School in London will be renamed West Hampstead Primary School. Pupils outvoted teachers who wanted to rename the school Beryl Gilroy after one of Britain’s first black headteachers. In a news release, the school said:
 
“Although the school will not be named after its distinguished former head teacher Beryl Gilroy, her story is integral to the history of the school and we are planning a permanent tribute to celebrate her, details of which we look forward to sharing in future. We want to ensure that all our children know about Dr Gilroy and her important work, both in the field of education and beyond.”

[…]

The name was chosen from a shortlist of three, which also included Broomsleigh, its original name; and Gilroy, after distinguished former head teacher Beryl Gilroy. The new name was chosen by well over 50% of the school community. 

The move comes as part of Camden Council’s review into the naming of local monuments and memorials in the wake of calls for decolonisation raised by the Black Lives Matter movement. William Beckford, after whom the school is currently named, was a slave owner. 

Recognising the importance of the issue and the diversity of the pupil population, Governors decided on 24th June to change the name, and began the process for deciding what that should be. 
The formal renaming process will take place in September 2021 when the school will be holding a launch event (COVID permitting), to celebrate its new name and also remember its history. In addition, there are plans for a permanent tribute to celebrate Beryl Gilroy, who was one of the first black headteachers in London.

[…]

As a result of the Camden cross-party review group to examine statues, monuments and place names, which decided our school met the criteria for the name change, the Beckford Governing Board made the decision to start a consultation process with the school community to decide upon a new name in time for the 2021/2022 academic year.”

Sources:
Letter to Parents – Beckford Primary School – 2nd December 2020
News Release – Beckford Primary School – 2nd December 2020
 
28. Roedean School
 
Roedean School in East Sussex has announced that it will decolonise its curriculum.

Oliver Blond, Roedean’s headmaster, said: “We wanted to challenge the predominantly western European narrative and to look beyond the limitations of Britain’s ‘island story’, to discover hidden histories both nationally and internationally.

“The question was raised as to whether everyone in the Roedean community saw themselves in the history they study at school and to this end more diverse perspectives have been incorporated within the existing programme, in order to challenge preconceptions and stimulate debate.

“We hope that some of this passion to rediscover the past both at home and around the world will inspire the pupils towards a deeper love of history.”

Sarah Black, the school’s head of history, said: “While we have been keen to add new units of study, we have also been mindful not to take a tokenistic approach and have wanted rather to integrate new perspectives from a more diverse range of groups . . . to challenge preconceptions and stimulate debate.”

Sources: 
Roedean School
Roedean decolonises its lessons – The Times – 12/12/2020
 
 
29. Howden Juniors School
 
Howden Juniors School in East Yorkshire has announced that the school’s houses would be renamed. The houses, previously named after Lord Nelson, Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake will now be named after Greta Thunberg, Marcus Rashford, Malala Yousafzai and Amanda Gorman. In a now deleted tweet, the school said:

We are so excited to share the names of our new houses chosen by our School Council...

Rashford @MarcusRashford 
Malala @Malala 
Gorman @TheAmandaGorman 
Thunberg @GretaThunberg 
These individual represent our 4 values of Community, Courage, Curiosity and Care.
 
In now deleted tweets, the headteacher, Max Hill said:

“I’m really excited & proud to share this.

Not just because of the individuals our School Council chose as representing our school community values or the incredible art from local artist Amy Smith but because of the courage of one child who made a stand. 
During the Black Lives Matter protests, I received a passionate and brave email from a former pupil. This pupil not only educated me about the history of the three house names – that sat on our website, in our hall and were raised as ambassadors for our school.

But also explain the impact of seeing these figures – who have links to slavery, oppression and racism – had on her during her time at our school. Not only a brave email to send to a white male in a position of power but also an email that sent off a chain of events.

Following the email, we discussed as a staff the house names, the email sent by Francesca and specifically why they are in place at our school. This led to some very difficult but important conversations with each other and the children.

Beyond the fact that they had been in place for decades, we had no tangible reason behind them. We didn’t team them in our curriculum & we clearly didn’t know all aspects of their history. None of our pupils knew who they were (Beyond sailors) Nor could they relate to them.

And, more importantly, a member of our community (a child) strongly, and understandably, was affected by their association with the school. Bearing in mind, if ANY child felt this way about any area of school, we would look at it and, where appropriate, make changes.

We do not condone racism or any form of discrimination in our school but by doing nothing we were. We were sending a message that it was part of our culture through our inaction – it was systemic and accepted.

We had a responsibility to act.

Our school value are community, courage, curiosity and care. The individuals displayed proudly in our school did not match our values. They did not represent our community. They did not represent our school.
Over the last few months, we have harnessed Francesca’s drive for change and met as a school community (staff, children and parents) to make this happen.

Our children chose who they wanted to represent each house. They did us proud.

They chose people who are diverse – not only because of the colour of their skin, place of birth all their faith but for their actions, their values and their impact on the world we share.

This is a change driven by the children (past and present) of a school in its truest sense – something we should all be incredibly proud of. Something, albeit small, that should give us all hope.

Thank you to the Parent’s Forum for your confidentiality while we awaited permission from Francesca to share this information – she deserved ownership of this. It was her words that lit the flame.

To Francesca, I want to say thank you for your courage – for making a stand, for being a role model to our school community and beyond. For showing that each of our voice matter and that we can make a change for the better.

You have taught me more than you can imagine.”
Sources: 
Howden Juniors - Twitter
Children shouldn’t be allowed to rewrite history, The Times, 26th February 2021
 
30. Education Secretary
 
The Education Secretary, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, has told the Telegraph that children should be taught “the good and bad about history” and that we should be “very proud” of Britain’s history.
 
He told the Telegraph “It is really important that the history taught in schools looks at the rich diversity and tapestry that has made our nation so great, and the important role that people from all backgrounds have played in our history.”
“But we should also be very proud of our history and I would always want schools to be celebrating our great nation's history and the important role that we have played in the world and shaping the world for the better.”
“And that means making sure we are always very reflective of diversity and of all those people who have made an important role in making the history of our nation.”
 
Read the full article here.
 
He had made a similar point in a June 2020 public coronavirus news briefing:
“Our national curriculum covers the issue of British Empire and the incredibly rich history that this nation has. It's absolutely vitally important, incredibly important, that when children are learning about our nation's history, they learn all aspects of it, both the good and the bad. But we mustn't forget that in this nation we have an incredibly rich history, and we should be incredibly proud of our history. Because time and time and time again this country has made a difference and changed things for the better right around the world and we should as a nation be proud of that history and teach our children about it.”
 
Sources: 
Children should be taught to be 'proud' of the country's past, Education Secretary says, The Telegraph
Gavin Williamson says UK should be 'proud' of its history - Youtube
 
31. Captain James Cook
 
Captain James Cook has been added to the ‘Topple the Racists’ list, compiled by the “Stop Trump Coalition”. A statue in London, another in Whitby, two museums and a pub are among the landmarks that activists want to be renamed or removed.

The website explains: “James Cook invaded Australia just over 250 years ago. He claimed possession over the entire nation even though it clearly belonged to the people already there.”

“What followed was 250 of genocidal activities and policies based on race that murdered thousands of women, men and children. Captain Cook symbolises racial oppression and violence… [The statues] must be removed.”

Source: 
Topple the Racists
 
32. Sir Tom Devine – Dundas Memorial
 
Sir Tom Devine has condemned the “intellectual arrogance” of Edinburgh’s leaders who reworded the Henry Dundas monument plaque. In an essay published in the Herald on Sunday, Sir Tom said:

[…]

“In the first place there is no systematic plan or policy, only ad hoc shortism and poor decision making by a small clique.

The first crass error was a rush to judgement. For a few years an ECC committee had been considering the fate of the Dundas statue in St Andrew Square as a result of an unrelenting campaign led by the human rights activist and passionate anti-Dundas advocate Sir Geoff Palmer and his associates. It was an evenly balanced group with opponents and supporters of Dundas involved. Howoever, when the global storm over Black Lives Matter broke early last summer leading figures in the SNP ruling party panicked. The old advisory committee was abandoned, its pro-Dundas members jettisoned and the new grouping, which confirmed the wording of the plaque to be placed at the foot of the Dundas statue, consisted of the Leader of the Council, a few councillors and the aforesaid G. Palmer. No historian was present or consulted. The intellectual arrogance of those who were involved is breathtaking. It was this kangaroo court which hurriedly produced  the now notorious lines for the revised  plaque which read ‘In 2020 ,this was dedicated to the memory of more than half a million Africans whose enslavement was a consequence of Henry Dundas’s actions’. This assertion  does not stand up to serious historical scrutiny.
ECC have now compounded this shambles on their watch by appointing Geoff Palmer to chair their 'Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Group'. You really could not make all this up!”

Read the full article here.

Sources: Prof Sir Tom Devine: Edinburgh can learn from Toronto in deal with slave trade statues – The Herald – 29th November 2020
Sir Tom Devine: Scapegoating of Henry Dundas on the issue of Scottish slavery is wrong - and BBC documentary was a miserable failure – The Herald – 25th October 2020
 
33. Order of the British Empire
 
Kate Green OBE MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, has said in the BBC Political Thinking podcast that honours titles associated with the British Empire are "offensive and divisive" and should be rebranded. 

Nick Robinson
Now, Kier Starmer is “Sir Keir”; Kate Green is “Kate Green OBE”, for the services to the voluntary sector […] your work at what is now called Gingerbread and also at the Child Poverty Action Campaign. When you hear the annual controversy there is, do we want to call it the Order of the British Empire?

Kate Green
No, we really don’t. It’s really the wrong language: it’s divisive; it’s offensive; it’s hurtful to people. And, you know, one of the things I’ve been looking at a lot in recent weeks is the black curriculum campaign—decolonising our history and actually our whole curriculum. You can’t excuse or justify that branding, but actually it’s deeper than that, isn’t it? I know many efforts have been made to democratise, to open up that honours system, but it’s still pretty hierarchical, isn’t it, in terms of who gets what honour; who gets what award. There’s a lot more reform in that space that I think is needed.
 
Helen Ewen, the head of the Honours Secretariat at the Cabinet Office, said there were no plans to change the name.
“There are no plans to make any changes to the system as it stands but we continue outreach work to make sure the system is as diverse and representative as it can be.”
 
Source:
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson; Kate Green – BBC Sounds – 11/12/2020 – 37:04 to 37:57
 
34. Richard Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax MP
 
Campaigners have asked Richard Drax MP to pay reparations to the people of Jamaica and Barbados for his family’s historical links with plantations in the West Indies.

Sir Hilary Beckles, chairman of the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) Reparations Commission and vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies said that historically “the Drax family has done more harm and violence to the black people of Barbados than any other family. The Draxes built and designed and structured slavery”. 

He added that Richard Drax should:
“One: apologise to African people and the people of the Caribbean. Two: show remorse and participate in reparatory justice. Three: we would like to talk to you about how [you should repay these debts]”.
David Comissiong, Barbados’s ambassador to Caricom, said:

“You can’t simply walk away from the scene of the crime. They have a responsibility now to make some effort to help repair the damage. We are establishing a fund into which families, corporations and establishments like universities that were implicated in some way in the crime of enslavement can pay.

Richard Drax said:
“[…] I am keenly aware of the slave trade in the West Indies and the role my very distant ancestor played in it is deeply, deeply regrettable, but no one can be held responsible today for what happened many hundreds of years ago. This is a part of the nation’s history, from which we must all learn.”

Source: 
Caribbean campaigners demand Tory MP pays reparations to Barbados because family plantation held slaves from 1640 to 1836 – Caricom
 
 
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