18th-Century Slave Stable Unearthed in Roxbury Sheds Light on British Empire’s Dark Past
An 18th-century former stable house located in Roxbury, Massachusetts has revealed a distressing chapter in the history of the British Empire. The discovery raises urgent questions about the dark past of slavery within the empire. Nestled in a small neighborhood at 42-44 Shirley St., the historic structure has provided archaeologists with valuable insights into the lives of enslaved people.
This is not a barn but a stable building where people actually lived, explained Suzy Buchanan, the Executive Director of the Shirley Eustis House Association. The original pine pieces and plaster confirm that the building served as a residence. The enslaved people owned by former Massachusetts Bay Colony governor William Shirley resided in the ground floor, while the upper level was used for straw and hay.
Constructed in 1747, this stable is one of the rare documented sites in the city that shed light on the experiences of enslaved individuals. Buchanan emphasizes the significance of this discovery in uncovering a narrative that has yet to receive widespread attention. She stated, The story of enslavement in the 18th century, particularly the slave trade within the British Empire, remains untold. This is the place where we aim to tell that story.
An archeological dig conducted in 2022 in the front yard unearthed several artifacts, including an African cowrie shell. These shells were used as a form of currency, indicating the presence of enslaved people at the site. According to Buchanan, cowrie shells have only been found in areas associated with enslaved individuals in Boston.
Thomas Scipio, known as the governor’s personal valet, is the only enslaved person whose role is known. However, the Eustis House Association believes that at least seven individuals were enslaved by the Shirley family. The specifics of their tasks and responsibilities remain largely unknown.
Fortunately, plans to demolish the duplex home were halted, with the building now protected as a landmark. The Eustis House Association successfully obtained a $650,000 grant from the city and community preservation committee to repurchase the centuries-old structure. The goal now is to raise additional funds and collaborate with Roxbury neighbors and the community to restore the building and transform it into an exhibit.
The restoration will honor the lives of those enslaved under Governor Shirley’s estate while also shedding light on the slave trade within the British Empire. It is crucial to tell this story and understand the historical foundation upon which we stand today. Racism and social inequity persist, and comprehending their origins helps us address these issues more effectively.
The revelations from the 18th-century slave stable in Roxbury serve as a reminder that our present struggles stem from the dark chapters in our history. By uncovering the truth and learning from it, we can work towards a more equitable future.
