Samuel Thompson (c.1786-1806)
St Andrews Churchyard, Birdcage Walk, The Fosse Way, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4EN
Like Scipio Africanus, very little is known about Samuel Thompson other than what his headstone reveals. His grave, however, is virtually unknown.
His memorial stone tells us that he was born a slave in Jamaica, and that at about seven years of age he was acquired by a William Thompson of Bath. Contemporary reports reveal that Samuel drowned whilst swimming in the river, his body not being found until the next morning. According to church records, he was buried in the new yard of St Andrew’s church in the Clifton area of Bristol. St Andrew’s was destroyed during WW2 in the Bristol Blitz, and the surviving churchyard turned into a park popularly known as Birdcage Walk. Many of the graves are now overgrown and damaged.
Inscription:
In Memory of
SAMUEL THOMPSON
late Servant of
WILLIAM THOMPSON
of Jamaica Esqr
who was unfortunately
drowned in the Avon
in the 16th August 1806
Aged 20 Years. The Stone is laid as
a testimony of the Regards
his Master bears to his
Memory to his Service
which since the early Age of 7 Years
he discharged faithfully
and with integrity
he died lamented by
his Master
and by all who knew him
