Black History Month 2026: Ignatius Sancho Writes to Georgian York

Discover Charles Ignatius Sancho, Laurence Sterne and their remarkable correspondence, and explore Sancho’s connection to Georgian York. Discover the remarkable story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, an eighteenth-century Black British writer, composer and shopkeeper, and his fascinating connection with Yorkshire through his correspondence with Laurence Sterne, author of Tristram Shandy. In 1766, Sancho wrote to Sterne after reading his novel, praising his writing before making a powerful appeal for him to speak out against slavery. Their exchange offers a fascinating glimpse into questions of race, slavery, citizenship, literature and life in Georgian Britain. As part of Black History Month, this event will introduce Sancho and his writing before showcasing Two Men of Letters, a new edition of their correspondence produced by York St John University students. Dr Adam James Smith will give a short illustrated talk, followed by students sharing their experiences of researching and publishing Sancho's letters. The event will finish with a question and answer session. Dr Adam James Smith is Associate Professor of English Literature at York St John University, specialising in eighteenth-century literature, satire and print culture. The first 20 attendees will receive a free printed copy of the edition, and everyone will receive free digital access. Content Warning: This event discusses slavery and includes historical language relating to race that may be offensive or distressing to contemporary audiences. Events Access & Inclusivity At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible. If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: [email protected] or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you. If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision. Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / SU colleagues are entitled to express their ideas and views, providing they do not violate the law. The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but does not prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive. As a University that embodies social justice, we expect people to treat each other with dignity and respect, but it is not our role to censor ways of thinking or stifle debate between those who hold opposing views. We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures. Parking There is limited parking for vehicles on site and they operate on a first come, first served basis. We have a small number of Blue Badge spaces available, these spaces can only be used if guests have pre registered their number plates by emailing [email protected]. However please note that registering your details does not guarantee a space. Please ensure your blude badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle. ANPR cameras are in operation 24/7. Privacy Policy York St John University will use the data you submit in Eventbrite for the purposes of administering this event. York St John University utilises third party software for data storage, tracking and analysis activity but your details will not be used by any of these third parties in order to contact you Any data you share with us will be used to help us improve your event experience and for event tracking and analysis activity within the University. We will only send you important information and reminders related to the event you have booked unless you tell us otherwise. During the booking process, if you opt-in to receive emails about the latest events hosted and supported by York St John University, you consent to York St John University contacting you with relevant information. If you no longer wish to hear from us you can opt-out at any time by changing your contact preferences via the link in emails you receive from us or by emailing [email protected].