Cesar Picton

Day 81 - from yesterday in Kingston...Cesar Picton (1755-1836) was born in Senegal but transported to the UK aged 6 and presented as a ‘gift’ to Sir John Phillips. He lived with the family in Kingston at Norbiton Place, a large mansion now demolished. Although he was brought up as a servant the family were abolitionists so he was educated by the family. When Lady Phillips died in 1788 he was left £100 in her will which gave him independence. He set himself up in business becoming a coal merchant in Kingston. He lived in a house on the High Street overlooking the Thames, this was named Picton House after his death. His business grew and he bought another house in Thames Ditton also called Picton House. (I have visited this too as there is another blue plaque there!) He died aged 81 and was buried in Kingston church. A coincidence given the BLM protests today and the toppling of the Colston statue in Bristol ( a major slave trader).

- drove down the M3 to visit son and family, not very busy, back by 4pm
- lots of rain showers so no watering of plants needed
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