The British Empire and its effect on Plymouth


Kroo Town, Sierra Leone


Although orginally from Liberia, the Kroo established settlements in the ports frequented by Royal Navy ships especially those on the Anti-Slavery patrols. The Kroo towns were run like ships and this 19th Century picture shows the masts that they constructed so that they could practice their maritime skills even when ashore. Note all the various kinds of naval attire being worn.

Below shows an engraving of a Krooman from 8th May 1858 edition of the Illustrated London News.


Empire in Your Backyard: Plymouth Article | Sierra Leone


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by Stephen Luscombe