If you're in South London and wanting to take in the capitals skyline , you must explore Telegraph Hill. On a clear day you can see the outline of famous landmarks such as the Shard, Tate Modern and One Canada Square.
Once there you will find two parks to explore with a very handy cafe (The Hill Station Cafe)
in the middle serving pastries, pizza and good vibes.
The Park which sits to the North lives up to it's hilly name (;eave your high heels at home guys) and the telegraph part if you were wondering, tells us of a signalling station which was perched on the hill from 1795-1823.
But there is something far more intriguing then the name and that is a monument to African writer Olaudah Equiano, whose work helped towards the abolishment of slavery. His written words spoke and still speak to people as he was able to tell of his own experience when he was enslaved at the young age 11.
The colourful plinth and 'African Garden' in which it lives in were installed in 2007 to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire.
Olaudah eventually bought back his freedom by doing various jobs such as cutting sailors hair. He eventually started a new life in London, but never wanted to forget what he or his family had been subjected to whilst enslaved, which is why he was so keen to write it down and tell others of his experience.
The plinth was designed by the children of Edmund Waller School and shows Olaudah on top of a three-sided plinth. He wears a bright blue jacket and stares out with intent. Upon the plinth you can find images relating to his life : As a child in Africa, as a slave and as a free man.
You can also find images of corn, people working on plantations, a slave ship and a gentlemen in a neck chain. It's a moving memorial to say the least and even thought it's colourful and bold, it leaves you with much to contemplate.
It also contains the slogan of the anti-slavery campaign : 'Am I not a man and a brother'.
There is a plaque next to the memorial which shows images of Olaudah, a sketch of the children of Edmund Waller School and a map showing the slave trade triangle, which Olaudah sailed through.
Nearest stations : Nunhead, Brockley, New Cross Gate
Bus Routes : 484 and 343
Comentários