Enslaved Frederick Douglass’ North East visit marked with plaque

Frederick Douglass visited the North Shields Baptist Church on Howard Street in 1846, where he delivered two lectures at the invitation of the North Shields Anti-Slavery Society.

Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland, USA in 1818, escaping in 1838.

However, he remained legally enslaved as the property of another person when he travelled to Britain and Ireland to speak about slavery and support the abolitionist movement.

Later that year, Newcastle-born sisters Anna and Ellen Richardson helped to purchase his freedom, allowing him to return to the United States as a free man.

Councillor Wendy Lott, chair of North Tyneside Council, said: "Frederick Douglass was a remarkable man whose courage, determination and powerful voice helped change the course of history.

"It is a source of pride that North Shields played a small but significant part in his journey to freedom, and this Blue Plaque will help ensure that connection is remembered.

"It is important that we continue to recognise those who stood up for equality and human dignity, and the values they continue to represent today."

During his time in Britain and Ireland, Douglass addressed audiences about his life in slavery and the campaign to end the practice.

The plaque was installed by the North Shields Heritology Project.

The unveiling ceremony included an introduction from project member David Young and the official unveiling by Justine King, education coordinator for Show Racism the Red Card.