On Friday 23 October, Wells Cathedral and Somerset African Caribbean Network members welcomed His Excellency Alexander Williams, Jamaican High Commissioner, as part of its Black History Month Celebrations. From left to right: The Revd Canon Tim Stevens, Reginald Ebanks, Susann Savidge, H.E. Alexander Williams, Jamaican High Commissioner, Jessica Witchell, Sharon Brien and Vivienne Siva.

Last week, Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom paid a special visit to Wells Cathedral.

His Excellency Alexander Williams visited the cathedral at the invitation of Somerset African Caribbean Network, as part of the county’s Black History Month celebrations.

The High Commissioner met with the cathedral’s Racial Justice Advisory Group to discuss their work on the Living Liberty project. Funded by The Church of England to develop education, inclusion and historical reflection, the project acknowledges historic links to transatlantic slavery, alongside a commitment to racial justice and inclusive history.

The High Commissioner’s visit also coincided with the 90th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie I living in exile at Fairfield House in Bath, in 1936. Selassie is known to have visited Wells Cathedral in 1938.

Wells Cathedral and Somerset African Caribbean Network are members of the Wells and Transatlantic Slavery initiative which aims to make research on historic links to transatlantic slavery history available through a dedicated website, a city trail, and schools programme.

Reflecting on the visit, The Rev’d Canon Megan Daffern, Chancellor of Wells Cathedral, said:

“As we mark Black History Month, we are delighted to have had this opportunity to welcome His Excellency Alexander Williams, Jamaican High Commissioner, to Wells Cathedral during his visit to Somerset.

“Wells Cathedral is committed to discovering and celebrating Somerset’s inclusive history in our city and surrounding areas, so it was a privilege to be part of His Excellency’s travels.”