Death on the Rocks (29 page)

Samuel Foote, the actor with the wooden leg, actually lived a very full and vibrant life. Those interested in finding out more could not do better than read a truly delightful book,
Mr Foote’s Other Leg
by Ian Kelly, published by Picador.

I found the young men working as archivists in Bristol most delightful and friendly and, through them I came across a little snippet which I thought I would pass on to you.

‘3rd September, 1721, St Michael on the Mount Church, marriage of Commodore and Venus, two negroes.’

The slave trade was unspeakably vile, but it had its upside as well. Sometimes the negroes adapted and became family friends and pets, even respected businessmen and professionals. In other cases they were treated worse than dogs. A microcosm of everyday life, perhaps.

I hope you enjoy this book and that you will contact me via my website www.derynlake.com if you like it.