Brian will start his talk by examining some of the advantages and pitfalls of various sources for black History. He will go on to look at examples of the historical black presence in the Wigan and Leigh areas. These will include visiting clergy and entertainers as well as speakers in the anti-slavery campaign before the American Civil War.

Most importantly, he will examine some of the black people who were resident in Leigh and Wigan during the Victorian period.

Brian Joyce is the author of several books on the history of the Medway Towns in Kent, including Black People in Medway 1655-1914. Since moving to the North West, he has co-authored Culcheth Characters and contributed to Past Forward magazine and other publications. He has spoken to numerous local organisations and societies.