Rasselas Morjan (c.1820-1839):
Our Lady and St Nicholas Church, Church Lane, Wanlip LE7 4PJ
In the tiny churchyard in Wanlip, one of the largest and most striking graves is that at Rasselas Morjan, a young former slave from Abyssinia. It’s not clear how he came to Britain, but the inscription makes it clear that he was “rescued from a state of slavery” and held in deep affection by the Palmer family of Wanlip Hall. However, he was only to spend a few short years with them, dying at around the age of 19.
The Palmers family, along with the nearby Babington family at Rothley, were friends of William Wilberforce and passionate abolitionists. Rasselas’s distinctive, Egyptian-style headstone spoke not only of their affection, but also made a considerable statement.
Inscription:
Sacred
To the memory of
Rasselas Morjan
who was born at Macadi
on the continent of Abyysinia
and who died at Wanlip Hall
August 25th 1839
In the 19th year
Of his age
Rescued from a state of slavery
in this life and enabled by God’s grace
to become a member of his Church he rests here
in the hope of a greater deliverance hereafter.
This stone is raised in remembrance of his blameless life
by one whom he loved.”
