Book Launch
The book is a local history which describes how the Davy family of Countess Wear, on the outskirts of Exeter, became owners of enslaved Africans on plantations in Jamaica in the late eighteenth century. It analyses records of their enslaved workers to try to reveal their living conditions, their lives and deaths. How the Davy family may have benefitted in subsequent generations is also examined.
The book launch event was organised by Devon Development Education and attended by 50 local residents, church members, friends and relatives. The launch featured a discussion between Lucy MacKeith and Gillian Allen explaining the philosophy behind the book, the process of researching it and Gillian’s personal connection with the topic. The book was blessed by the vicar of Countess Wear and Topsham, Rev Louise Grace, and a toast proposed by LDSG member, Peter Wingfield-Digby, who also did a reading, as did Sue Errington, our co-ordinator. Jamaican-style refreshments were provided by Dave Samuels with help from Di Cooper; technical support was given by Wendy Milne and photographs taken by Auguster Irabor.
The event is captured in the videos.
Video 1 – Lucy Mackeith introduces the Devon Slavery-connections Group as part of the organisation Devon Development Education, outlining its aims and activities. Lucy and Gillian Allen start a conversation on the background to the writing of the book.
Video 2 – Gillian describes how she researched the book.
Video 3 – Some reflections on the book.
Distribution of the book
The book has been distributed to bookshops and libraries in the Exeter area and to libraries in Manchester, Jamaica.
