Miranda Kaufmann

Join historian Miranda Kaufmann, author of 'Heiresses: Marriage, Inheritance, and Caribbean Slavery', as she reveals the hidden ties between British literature and slavery. Discover how figures like Jane Austen's aunt, tied to Barbados, reflect the intricate connections of wealth and colonialism. Explore the stories of Caribbean heiresses and their impact on cultural figures, and see how Charlotte Brontë's depiction of the madwoman in 'Jane Eyre' echoes these themes. A thought-provoking deep dive into literature's unspoken colonial legacies!

In this fascinating discussion, historian Miranda Kaufmann, author of "Heiresses: Marriage, Inheritance and Caribbean Slavery," explores the overlooked role of women as slaveowners in Britain. She reveals how Caribbean heiresses married into the aristocracy, bringing immense wealth derived from slavery. Topics include the complexities of female inheritance, the varied involvement of these women with plantations, and personal stories like Betsy Newton's fight for freedom. Kaufmann also draws connections between past heiresses and contemporary issues of inequality.

Miranda Kaufmann, a historian focused on Africans in Britain, shares insights from her visit to a replica of Francis Drake's Golden Hind, highlighting the role of Africans like Diego in Tudor exploration. Gus Casely-Hayford, a cultural historian, shines a light on Timbuktu's remarkable history as a hub of cultural and intellectual achievement, and the ongoing struggles for its preservation against extremist threats. Together, they reveal the often-overlooked contributions of Africans to history and the rich legacy of Timbuktu.