Francis Barber plaque unveiled in City of London
Commemoration marks launch of redesigned City of London Blue Plaques Scheme.
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A commemorative plaque honouring Francis Barber, identified as Britain's first known Black schoolteacher, was unveiled on Tuesday at the City of London townhouse where he lived and worked as a servant and friend to Dr Samuel Johnson. The property at Gough Square is believed to be the only surviving building in the Square Mile that was once home to a formerly enslaved person who later lived there as a free man.
Francis Barber's Life and Legacy
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Born around 1742 in Jamaica, Francis Barber was brought to England as a child and later entered the household of Dr Samuel Johnson. Johnson, a prominent writer and critic of the slave trade, arranged for Barber's education. Barber eventually became the principal beneficiary of Johnson's will, receiving an annual income of £25, approximately £9,000 in today's currency, with the condition he move to Lichfield. After running a shop, Barber established a village school, making him likely the first Black schoolteacher in Britain. Celine Luppo McDaid, Hyde Director of Dr Johnson’s House, stated Barber "ended his life as an educator, opening the door of literacy to others."
The relationship between Barber and Johnson developed into a close friendship over three decades. Alderman Tim Hailes noted that Barber became "a lot more than that" often remembered as Johnson's servant, highlighting the depth of their bond as evidenced by Barber being the principal beneficiary of Johnson's will.
Redesigned Blue Plaques Scheme
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The unveiling ceremony also marked the launch of the City of London Corporation's redesigned Blue Plaques Scheme. The scheme, which has been in place for 150 years, now features an advisory panel of experts to assess applications, a new online application form, and a refreshed webpage. The City of London Corporation stated the redesign provides a "modern, transparent, and inclusive process."
Brendan Barns, chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, commented that blue plaques help the city "take time to look back, and blue plaques help us do precisely that." He added that they "remind us that the Square Mile has been shaped by remarkable people, places and stories."
While applicants typically fund plaques, a new annual funding pot from the City of London Corporation will support at least one outstanding application each year that cannot self-fund. Applications for the 2027 cycle will be accepted between 4 January and 4 March 2027.
Questions this report answers
+Who was Francis Barber and why is he being honoured?
Francis Barber is recognised as Britain's first known Black schoolteacher. He was born into slavery in Jamaica, brought to England, educated by Dr Samuel Johnson, and later became a schoolteacher. He is being honoured with a plaque at Dr Johnson's former townhouse in Gough Square, City of London.
+What is the City of London Blue Plaques Scheme?
The City of London Corporation's Blue Plaques Scheme commemorates significant people, places, and institutions that have shaped the Square Mile. The scheme has been redesigned to be more inclusive and transparent, featuring an advisory panel, an online application form, and a new annual funding pot for outstanding applications.
+How can I apply for a blue plaque?
Applications for the 2027 cycle of the City of London Blue Plaques Scheme will be accepted from 4 January until 4 March 2027. Details on how to apply can be found on the City of London Corporation's website.
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