The post discusses a discovery by Brian Crosby, who found historical letters linked to his family’s ancestry, including one by David Livingstone from 1857. It highlights Livingstone’s Manchester lecture, where he condemned the slave trade and emphasized compassion towards Africa, inspired by a Bible verse reflecting inclusiveness and moral purpose in his mission.
In March 1893, Dr. Livingstone’s unpublished letter discussed his experiences with the Manyuema people, whom he described as playful and non-cannibalistic, despite rumors. He recounted efforts to verify cannibalism tales, offering rewards for proof, but found no evidence. Livingstone cautioned against believing sensational stories from traders and neighboring tribes.
At the end of 1856, David Livingstone came briefly back to Blantyre from his African travels and gave a speech in the old Blantyre Works School at the village. He had a captivated audience and this event has been written about often. Sometime later in 1898, a reader wrote into the Glasgow Herald remembering that […]
The more eagle eyed viewer watching the King’s Coronation in London today may have spotted a Blantyre connection! The Royal processions and guests in Westminster Abbey directly passed over David Livingstone’s grave inside the Abbey. Nearby is the memorial for Churchill and the well known tomb of the Unknown Warrior surrounded by flowers. When you […]
Blantyre resident Eddie McBride dropped this big book into my home the other day. “Life and Explorations of Livingstone” dates from around 1895, making the book 127 years old. It’s a huge book, documenting the life of Livingstone, including many of his letters. This was on “loan” to me and I managed to scan some […]
In recent weeks, my fellow history enthusiast colleagues and I have been trying to work out the numbering system of the homes within Shuttle Row. Trying to work out which house number David Livingstone’s Birthplace was in, rather than simply saying ‘Shuttle Row’. There is a multitude of information available in census and valuation records, […]
On 30th March 1909, Mr Thomas Russell fruit merchant of Glasgow passed away with the accolade of being one the last known companions of David Livingstone during his boyhood. Thomas Russell was born at Fore Row, in the Village, Blantyre, Glasgow, Tuesday. He used to tell of young David Livingstone and two companions wandering from […]