Sunderland Point: A Tide-Isolated Village with a Dark Past
Sunderland Point, a charming village in Lancashire, becomes cut off from the mainland at high tide near Overton. A narrow road through the marshes connects it only during low tide, isolating the area for hours each day. Ships once docked here to unload goods from North America, serving as a key stop in the transatlantic slave trade.
Lancashire’s past ties closely to slavery. A Black community thrived in Lancaster during the 18th century. While the first slaving voyage departed from Lancaster in 1745, trade with North America began in the 1670s. Lancaster ranked as the fourth-largest slave trading port in Britain, though its volume paled compared to London, Bristol, and Liverpool.
The Enigmatic Story of Sambo
Accounts describe Sambo as a young boy from Africa. Enslaved and brought to Sunderland Point by his master, he fell ill soon after arrival and passed away. Deemed unfit for burial in consecrated ground, his remains received an isolated resting place by the sea, far from other graves.
The grave stayed unmarked for years until a retired schoolmaster unearthed the tale, raised funds for a memorial, and crafted the epitaph now inscribed there:
Full many a Sand-bird chirps upon the Sod
And many a moonlight Elfin round him trips.
Full many a Summer’s Sunbeam warms the Clod.
And many a teeming cloud upon him drips.
But still he sleeps — till the awakening Sounds.
Of the Archangel’s Trump now life impart.
Then the GREAT JUDGE his approbation founds.
Not on man’s COLOUR but his worth of heart.
Origins of the Memorial
The earliest printed reference to Sambo dates to 1822 in The Lonsdale Magazine, penned by ‘JT’ and noting the brass plaque. Reverend James Watson composed the epitaph in 1796. The documented history begins around 1794 or 1795, involving discussions between Watson—former headmaster of Lancaster Grammar School who retired and leased a summer cottage in Sunderland—and George Jackson, landlord of the Ship Inn.
Protecting the Site Today
In 2018, authorities built new sea defenses to shield the hallowed site from high flood risk. Visitors now enjoy a scenic bird hide, seating areas, and the Horizon Line Chamber, an artistic camera obscura installation. Fresh flowers regularly adorn Sambo’s grave, drawing those intrigued by its poignant history.
How to Visit Sambo’s Grave
From Sunderland Point, follow the inland path toward the western shore. The signposted route passes houses and a small church, narrowing into a hedgerow-lined walkway. Pass through a barred metal gate, turn left, and walk about 200 yards along the shoreline to the walled enclosure holding the grave.
For a longer stroll, head right along the eastern shore past a row of quaint cottages. A Kapok tree, native to the West Indies and likely sprouted from imported goods, stood there for nearly two centuries until a fierce New Year’s Day storm felled it in 1998.
