Anna Maria Vassa.

I came across a fascinating story when visiting St Andrew's Church, Chesterton, to photograph their medieval painting. On the wall outside, is a plaque in memory of a little girl, aged 4. Hopefully you can read it. I enhanced it as much as possible as it was very high up and faint. The story goes that African, Gustavus Vassa (previously Olaudah Equiano) was enslaved as a child, sold in various countries, until he was able to buy his freedom and settle in England in 1792. He was quite educated and wrote articles and books on his experiences. He married Susan Cullen, from Soham, and they had two daughters. Anna Maria 1793-1797 and Joanna, 1795-1857. After her parents died, Anna also died and is buried in St Andrews churchyard. Joanna survived and eventually married the Rev Henry Bromley of Saffron Walden. The plaque refers to Anna Maria and begins... Should simple village rhymes attract thine eye, Stranger, as thoughtfully then passeth by, Knows that there lies beside this humble stone, A child of colour, haply not thine own. Her father born of Afric's sun-burnt race, Torn from his native field, ah foul disgrace. Through various toils, at length to Britain came. Espous'd so Heaven ordain'd, an English dame.........(and so on.) It seems she was much loved by the village children. A lovely piece of local history.