58. Dr Johnson's Black Heir

In this episode of Empire, Anita Anand and William Durham-Poole are joined by Peter Moore to discuss the life of Francis Barber, a figure largely unknown despite his close relationship with Samuel Johnson. The conversation begins with an introduction to Samuel Johnson, his moral philosophy, and his complex views on colonialism. The discussion then shifts to Barber's early life in Jamaica, his origins as a slave named Quashie, and the circumstances of his arrival in England. Moore, Anand, and Durham-Poole explore the social environment of 18th-century Jamaica, the lack of information about Barber's early life, and the potential reasons for Colonel Bathurst bringing Barber to England. They discuss Barber's baptism and renaming, his education in Yorkshire, and the beginning of his life with Samuel Johnson, including Johnson's eccentric character and the unusual household Barber entered. The episode concludes by examining Johnson's radical act of educating Barber, attitudes towards race in 18th-century Britain, and the unique freedom Barber experienced in London.