Falmouth’s Black Histories, c.1690-c.1920

Discover fascinating stories of the lives of Black men and women who lived in Falmouth and surrounding parishes, including St Gluvias and Mylor, between 1690 and 1920. 

Join Chloe Phillips for this talk about her recent research into Black histories of Cornwall. Hear about fresh discoveries from the parish registers, and the role Falmouth parish church played in baptising Black sailors and visitors. Find out more about individual lives in detail, including those of a Black sailor who worked in the Falmouth packet service, a Black servant who lived in Penryn for eighty years, and a Black dressmaker brought to Falmouth from Brazil.

Chloe Phillips is from Falmouth and is a PhD researcher with the University of Leicester. Prior to beginning her studies, she worked for Cornwall’s archive service for over a decade. Chloe will also deliver a second talk, ‘Falmouth and Slavery’, at the Poly on 16 September 2026.

(Images courtesy of Tom Hare, Kresen Kernow and The National Archives)

Discover Black Histories of Falmouth and the Surrounding Area, c.1690-c.1920

Wednesday 10th June 6.00pm

Cost: £7.00/£5.00

A £1 Poly Fund payment is added to each ticket sold. A 50p booking fee is also applied per ticket for online and telephone transactions.