Francis Barber (c.1735–1801): From Jamaican Slavery to Literary London
Francis Barber’s extraordinary journey from enslavement in Jamaica to becoming the trusted companion and heir of Dr Samuel Johnson is a remarkable tale of resilience, friendship, and integration within eighteenth-century British society.
Early Life and Journey to Britain
Born around 1735 into slavery on a sugar plantation in Jamaica, Barber was brought to England by the Bathurst family, who were friends of Samuel Johnson. In 1752, shortly after the death of Johnson’s wife, Barber joined Johnson’s household as a valet.
Life with Samuel Johnson
Initially serving as Johnson’s valet, Barber’s relationship with Johnson evolved significantly after Johnson paid for Barber to receive a formal education at Bishop’s Stortford Grammar School. Barber's responsibilities expanded beyond valet duties; Johnson relied on him increasingly as a secretary, arranging trips, handling documents, and managing Johnson’s diary.
Johnson often travelled to Brighton to visit his close friends, Henry and Hester Thrale, who lived at 64 West Street. Barber would have accompanied Johnson on these visits, marking his direct link to Brighton. Mrs Thrale notably once remarked that Barber was quite good-looking “for a Black a moor,” revealing contemporary attitudes and perceptions of race.
Barber briefly served in the Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War (1758–1760) before returning to Johnson’s household, where he remained until Johnson's death in 1784. Upon Johnson's death, Barber inherited a substantial legacy, including an annual income, books, and Johnson’s watch—a significant gesture at a time when racial equality was hardly recognised.
Later Life and Family
After Johnson’s death, Barber moved to Lichfield, Staffordshire, Johnson’s birthplace, where he opened a draper’s shop. He married Elizabeth Ball, a local woman, with whom he raised several children. Barber became an established and respected figure within his community, living as a free and independent citizen until his death in 1801.
Historical Significance
Francis Barber’s life story highlights the active and visible presence of Black individuals in Georgian England. His close relationship with Samuel Johnson underscores how personal bonds could challenge prevailing attitudes toward race and social hierarchy.
Today, Barber is remembered as a symbol of Black British history, challenging simplified views of Britain's past as exclusively white and racially homogeneous. His legacy contributes to efforts to create a more inclusive understanding of British historical identity.
