A visit to Alnwick

It was a beautiful week in August when I visited Alnwick Castle, ancestral home of the Percy family, to give a talk about my book Richmond Unchained.

Bill Richmond, of course, has a strong link to Alnwick and the Percy family - it was Hugh Percy, later the second Duke of Northumberland, who freed Bill from slavery and brought him to England as a teenager. A true humanitarian, Percy also had Bill educated and apprenticed into the cabinet-making trade.

The Alnwick archives had assisted me with my research for Richmond Unchained and when a portrait of Bill Richmond was installed at the Tom Cribb pub in August 2015 at the book launch for Richmond Unchained it was highly appropriate that Hugh's descendant, George Percy, performed the official unveiling.

It has  been a longstanding ambition of mine to visit Alnwick Castle and the invitation to do so while also delivering a talk about my book was therefore an offer I couldn't refuse!

The talk took place on the evening of Wednesday 3 August in the restaurant area of the castle. There were around 20 or so people in attendance, including some who had travelled from Gateshead and Newcastle due to their interest in Bill Richmond, which was very flattering.

My talk focused on the links between Richmond and the Percy family, including references to the material in the Alnwick archives which refers to Bill Richmond.

The audience were attentive throughout and in the Q and A session afterwards asked several interesting questions. I was also delighted to learn from one member of the audience about the fascinating connection and friendship between Percy and the native American Iroquois leader Thayandanegea (also known as Joseph Brant).

Many members of the audience bought copies of Richmond Unchained after the talk and, although he could not attend the event, the current and 12th Duke of Northumberland Ralph Percy, even bought a copy which will be bound and placed in the family library at Alnwick.

My two days in Alnwick were made complete when the team at the castle arranged for myself, my wife and daughter to visit the breathtaking castle, grounds and gardens the day after my talk. All in all, it was a wonderful couple of days and I must thank all the staff at Alnwick, particularly visitor activity manager James Boyd, for making my visit such a memorable one.

Testimonial about my talk:
"Luke's lecture on Bill Richmond complimented a very well written and incredibly detailed book. The depth of the research carried out by Luke is so great that he was able to tailor the talk and focus on the early stages of Bill Richmond's remarkable life, and the engagements with Hugh Percy, the 2nd Duke of Northumberland. Not only did the talk follow the journey of Richmond, but also Luke's personal journey of research. How Luke has managed to find such fascinating information about a gentleman that existed over 200 years ago is a triumph, and I’m sure will be enjoyed by many that read the book or hear Luke talk." James Boyd, visitor activity manager, Alnwick Castle

Richmond Unchained talk at Alnwick Castle

I will be giving a talk about my book Richmond Unchained at Alnwick Castle on Wednesday 3 August 2016. There is a close connection between Alnwick, the history of the Percy family and the life story of Bill Richmond which my talk will be focusing on.

If you are interested in attending please click on this link where you can access more information and buy tickets.

Richmond Unchained launch photos part 2

Photos courtesy of Graham Rye

The exterior of the Tom Cribb pub

Another exterior view of the Tom Cribb

The Richmond tribute - pre-unveiling!

Author Luke G. Williams and Earl George Percy

Author Luke G. Williams signs copies of Richmond Unchained

Earl George Percy, Arthur Landon and Luke G. Williams

The Bill Richmond tribute on the wall of the Tom Cribb pub

Author Luke G. Williams poses with a copy of Richmond Unchained

Luke G. Williams signing copies of Richmond Unchained

Luke G. Williams with Brian Moore

Richmond Unchained launch event on ITV London News

Wednesday 26 August 2015

The Richmond Unchained launch event, at which a memorial to Bill Richmond was unveiled by Earl George Percy, was featured on Wednesday night's ITV London News, in a report presented by Luke Hanrahan.

Click below to watch (flash player needed)

Earl George Percy unveils Bill Richmond tribute

Author Luke G. Williams and Earl George Percy with the Bill Richmond tribute (Photo Graham Rye)

Author Luke G. Williams poses with a copy of Richmond Unchained (Photo Graham Rye)

The Bill Richmond tribute at the Tom Cribb pub

EARL GEORGE PERCY UNVEILS TRIBUTE

TO WORLD'S FIRST BLACK SPORTING SUPERSTAR 

A permanent memorial to pioneering black boxer Bill Richmond (1763-1829) was unveiled by Earl George Percy at the Tom Cribb pub, in Panton Street, London on Wednesday 26 August 2015 at 2.3opm. 

A plaque consisting of a portrait of Richmond and a summary of his amazing life and career now adorns the wall of the historic pub owned by Shepherd Neame brewery in recognition of Richmond’s position in history as the first black sportsman to achieve international fame and significance. 

The unveiling took place at a launch event for Luke G. Williams’ new book Richmond Unchained: The Biography of the World’s First Black Sporting Superstar, which was published on 15 August by Amberley Books.

Born into slavery in America, Richmond travelled to England in the 1770s thanks to the kindly intervention of Earl Hugh Percy, a British soldier renowned for his humanitarianism, who ensured that Richmond received an education and was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker. It was therefore fitting that Hugh Percy’s direct descendant, Earl George Percy, unveiled this memorial to one of sporting history’s leading pioneers.  

Although he only became a professional boxer in his forties, Richmond assembled an impressive record of 17 wins from 19 contests, while he was also a highly sought after trainer and gymnastic instructor. Richmond was one of the most recognisable celebrities in Georgian Britain, mixing with the likes of William Hazlitt and Lord Byron. A measure of the high regard in which he was held was the fact that he was present at the coronation celebrations of King George IV in 1821. 

 
Author of Richmond Unchained Luke G. Williams said: "Although he was the first major black sportsman in history, Bill Richmond's amazing life, career and achievements have never been recognised with any form of public memorial. I'm delighted that this historical oversight has now been corrected. Hopefully, when future generations drink or dine at the Tom Cribb pub in the future they will see Richmond's portrait on the wall and  want to find out more about this remarkable man."

Earl George Percy said: "The relationship between my ancestor and Bill was remarkable. They began life at opposite ends of the social spectrum and yet this relationship was created between them. Bill went from life as a slave to become a sporting celebrity and an usher at the coronation of George IV. It's an amazing story and he really does deserve this recognition."

Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga (a guest at the event) said: "There were a whole host of Black Georgian figures, like Bill, who were important cultural figures in the city of London a couple of hundred years ago. They have been slightly written out of history, but they were huge stars of their day and we should put them back into our national memory, back into our history."

Historian David Olusoga and author Luke G. Williams

Click below to watch the ITV London News TV report on the Richmond Unchained launch

Further details about Richmond Unchained:

www.billrichmond.blogspot.co.uk
https://www.amberley-books.com/richmond-unchained.html

Further details about Shepherd Neame and the Tom Cribb pub:

http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/
http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/london/tom-cribb

Bill Richmond memorial to be unveiled today at Richmond Unchained book launch

Bill Richmond plaque and portrait unveiling ceremony

& ‘Richmond Unchained’ book launch
Wednesday 26 August 2015 from 2pm onwards

Tom Cribb Pub, 36 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4EA

The memorial plaque and portrait of Bill Richmond (1763-1829)
will be unveiled by Earl George Percy.

Drinks and canapés will be provided

Event enquiries / media enquiries: lgw007@yahoo.com

Press release and further information (for immediate release):

LONDON PUB TO UNVEIL PLAQUE COMMEMORATING WORLD'S FIRST BLACK SPORTING SUPERSTAR 

A permanent memorial to pioneering black boxer Bill Richmond (1763-1829) will be unveiled by Earl George Percy at the Tom Cribb pub, in Panton Street, London on Wednesday 26 August 2015 at 2pm. 

A portrait of Richmond and a plaque summarising his amazing life and career will adorn the wall of the historic pub owned by Shepherd Neame brewery in recognition of Richmond’s position in history as the first black sportsman to achieve international fame and significance. 

The unveiling will take place at a launch event for Luke G. Williams’ new book Richmond Unchained: The Biography of the World’s First Black Sporting Superstar, which is published on 15 August by Amberley Books.

Born into slavery in America, Richmond travelled to England in the 1770s thanks to the kindly intervention of Earl Hugh Percy, a British soldier renowned for his humanitarianism, who ensured that Richmond received an education and was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker. It is therefore fitting that Hugh Percy’s direct descendant, Earl George Percy, has agreed to unveil this memorial to one of sporting history’s leading pioneers.  

Although he only became a professional boxer in his forties, Richmond assembled an impressive record of 17 wins from 19 contests, while he was also a highly sought after trainer and gymnastic instructor. Richmond was one of the most recognisable celebrities in Georgian Britain, mixing with the likes of William Hazlitt and Lord Byron. A measure of the high regard in which he was held was the fact that he was present at the coronation celebrations of King George IV in 1821. 

 
Author Luke G. Williams said: “The Tom Cribb pub is a perfect location for a permanent memorial to Bill Richmond. Cribb was a champion boxer and contemporary of Richmond who was once landlord of these premises. The two men were initially rivals but eventually became firm friends and spent many evenings conversing and socialising at the pub. In fact, Richmond spent the last evening of his life with Cribb in the pub. 
 
“I am delighted that Shepherd Neame brewery have agreed that Bill’s amazing journey from slavery to sporting superstardom should be recognised with a permanent memorial. For it to be officially unveiled by George Percy, a direct descendent of the man whose kindness transformed Bill’s life, is incredibly exciting.”

Further details about Richmond Unchained:www.billrichmond.blogspot.co.uk
https://www.amberley-books.com/richmond-unchained.html

Further details about Shepherd Neame and the Tom Cribb pub:

http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/
http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/london/tom-cribb

Richmond plaque to be unveiled this week

Bill Richmond plaque and portrait unveiling ceremony

& ‘Richmond Unchained’ book launch
Wednesday 26 August 2015 from 2pm onwards

Tom Cribb Pub, 36 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4EA

The memorial plaque and portrait of Bill Richmond (1763-1829)
will be unveiled by Earl George Percy.

Drinks and canapés will be provided

Event enquiries / media enquiries: lgw007@yahoo.com

Press release and further information (for immediate release):

LONDON PUB TO UNVEIL PLAQUE COMMEMORATING WORLD'S FIRST BLACK SPORTING SUPERSTAR 

A permanent memorial to pioneering black boxer Bill Richmond (1763-1829) will be unveiled by Earl George Percy at the Tom Cribb pub, in Panton Street, London on Wednesday 26 August 2015 at 2pm. 

A portrait of Richmond and a plaque summarising his amazing life and career will adorn the wall of the historic pub owned by Shepherd Neame brewery in recognition of Richmond’s position in history as the first black sportsman to achieve international fame and significance. 

The unveiling will take place at a launch event for Luke G. Williams’ new book Richmond Unchained: The Biography of the World’s First Black Sporting Superstar, which is published on 15 August by Amberley Books.

Born into slavery in America, Richmond travelled to England in the 1770s thanks to the kindly intervention of Earl Hugh Percy, a British soldier renowned for his humanitarianism, who ensured that Richmond received an education and was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker. It is therefore fitting that Hugh Percy’s direct descendant, Earl George Percy, has agreed to unveil this memorial to one of sporting history’s leading pioneers.  

Although he only became a professional boxer in his forties, Richmond assembled an impressive record of 17 wins from 19 contests, while he was also a highly sought after trainer and gymnastic instructor. Richmond was one of the most recognisable celebrities in Georgian Britain, mixing with the likes of William Hazlitt and Lord Byron. A measure of the high regard in which he was held was the fact that he was present at the coronation celebrations of King George IV in 1821. 

 
Author Luke G. Williams said: “The Tom Cribb pub is a perfect location for a permanent memorial to Bill Richmond. Cribb was a champion boxer and contemporary of Richmond who was once landlord of these premises. The two men were initially rivals but eventually became firm friends and spent many evenings conversing and socialising at the pub. In fact, Richmond spent the last evening of his life with Cribb in the pub. 
 
“I am delighted that Shepherd Neame brewery have agreed that Bill’s amazing journey from slavery to sporting superstardom should be recognised with a permanent memorial. For it to be officially unveiled by George Percy, a direct descendent of the man whose kindness transformed Bill’s life, is incredibly exciting.”

Further details about Richmond Unchained:www.billrichmond.blogspot.co.uk
https://www.amberley-books.com/richmond-unchained.html

Further details about Shepherd Neame and the Tom Cribb pub:

http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/
http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/london/tom-cribb

London pub to unveil memorial to Bill Richmond

It has been a dream of mine for many years to ensure a permanent memorial to Bill Richmond and his amazing life. Now, thanks to the cooperation of Shepherd Neame brewery and Earl George Percy, I am delighted to announce the details of the following event ... Luke G. Williams, 16 July 2015

Bill Richmond plaque and portrait unveiling ceremony
& ‘Richmond Unchained’ book launch
Wednesday 26 August 2015 from 2pm-3pm

Tom Cribb Pub, 36 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4EA

The memorial plaque and portrait of Bill Richmond (1763-1829)
will be unveiled by Earl George Percy.

Drinks and canapés will be provided

Nearest tube stations: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Charing Cross

Event enquiries / media enquiries: lgw007@yahoo.com

Press release and further information (for immediate release):

LONDON PUB TO UNVEIL PLAQUE COMMEMORATING WORLD'S FIRST BLACK SPORTING SUPERSTAR 

A permanent memorial to pioneering black boxer Bill Richmond (1763-1829) will be unveiled by Earl George Percy at the Tom Cribb pub, in Panton Street, London on Wednesday 26 August 2015 at 2pm. 

A portrait of Richmond and a plaque summarising his amazing life and career will adorn the wall of the historic pub owned by Shepherd Neame brewery in recognition of Richmond’s position in history as the first black sportsman to achieve international fame and significance. 

The unveiling will take place at a launch event for Luke G. Williams’ new book Richmond Unchained: The Biography of the World’s First Black Sporting Superstar, which is published on 15 August by Amberley Books.

Born into slavery in America, Richmond travelled to England in the 1770s thanks to the kindly intervention of Earl Hugh Percy, a British soldier renowned for his humanitarianism, who ensured that Richmond received an education and was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker. It is therefore fitting that Hugh Percy’s direct descendant, Earl George Percy, has agreed to unveil this memorial to one of sporting history’s leading pioneers.  

Although he only became a professional boxer in his forties, Richmond assembled an impressive record of 17 wins from 19 contests, while he was also a highly sought after trainer and gymnastic instructor. Richmond was one of the most recognisable celebrities in Georgian Britain, mixing with the likes of William Hazlitt and Lord Byron. A measure of the high regard in which he was held was the fact that he was present at the coronation celebrations of King George IV in 1821. 

 
Author Luke G. Williams said: “The Tom Cribb pub is a perfect location for a permanent memorial to Bill Richmond. Cribb was a champion boxer and contemporary of Richmond who was once landlord of these premises. The two men were initially rivals but eventually became firm friends and spent many evenings conversing and socialising at the pub. In fact, Richmond spent the last evening of his life with Cribb in the pub. 
 
“I am delighted that Shepherd Neame brewery have agreed that Bill’s amazing journey from slavery to sporting superstardom should be recognised with a permanent memorial. For it to be officially unveiled by George Percy, a direct descendent of the man whose kindness transformed Bill’s life, is incredibly exciting.”

Further details about Richmond Unchained:
www.billrichmond.blogspot.co.uk
https://www.amberley-books.com/richmond-unchained.html

Further details about Shepherd Neame and the Tom Cribb pub:
http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/
http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/london/tom-cribb