James Chappell, the Heroic Servant of Kirby Hall

Josie Long heads to Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire on the trail of a mysterious man who saved the life of the owner of this fine house. James Chappell's heroic story lives on in local legend, but who was this black servant, living as a free man? And what new questions does his story raise or add to the under-documented story of being black in Britain in the 17th century? Josie chats to Senior Properties Historian Dr Megan Leyland to hear James's story, before exploring Kirby Hall with its Site Manager, Beryl Spearman. Then it's off to James's home village of Gretton and the Hatton Arms, where he's said to have become the UK's first black pub landlord. Owner Julie Smith is proud to follow in his footsteps. Historians Dr Angelina Osbourne and Morcea Walker MBE, dpt LT. explore the challenges involved in researching black history in a place like Northamptonshire and contextualise the fragments of James's story in the wider history of this period. Speaking with Shadows is an English Heritage podcast. You can find out more on these stories by going to or head to the English Heritage website to find out how you can visit Kirby Hall and Gretton yourself. And if you think this story should be heard, share this podcast on your social media with the hashtag .

You can listen to James Chappell, the Heroic Servant of Kirby Hall online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

James Chappell, the Heroic Servant of Kirby Hall is an episode from Speaking with Shadows by Neil Cowling.

This episode is 32:29 long.

This episode was published on Apr 12, 2022.

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