Mary Ann Macham’s Courage Celebrated in North Shields
England has unveiled a statue honoring Mary Ann Macham, a Black woman who escaped slavery in the United States and built a life of courage and service in North Shields.
The bronze figure, designed by local sculptor Keith Barrett, stands at the top of the Riverside Embankment Walkway overlooking the sea. It commemorates Macham’s resilience and her role in Britain’s often-overlooked Black history.
“The story was so amazing I just thought we’ve got to share this more widely,” said Steph Towns, a teacher who discovered Macham’s story while researching Britain’s history of slavery. “She was just such a remarkable and brave woman.”
From Enslavement to Freedom in England
Mary Ann Macham was born in Middlesex County, Virginia, in May 1802. She escaped brutal slavery after weeks hiding in the woods and stowing away on a ship bound for England.
Arriving in North Shields in the early 1830s, Macham was welcomed by a Quaker family. She married a local man and lived in the town safely until her death at 91. Her life reflected both courage and a commitment to community.
Her experiences were recorded by the Spence family, who aided her arrival. Years later, Towns shared Macham’s story on social media, drawing attention from Nina Brown, a trustee at North Shields’ Old Low Light Heritage Centre.
Preserving History and Honoring Her Legacy
The story of Macham inspired North Tyneside Council to commission the statue. Sculptor Keith Barrett, a North Shields native, expressed pride in the project.
“I feel honoured to mark the bravery and insistence on freedom shown by Mary Ann,” Barrett said. “I also celebrate the compassion of the Quaker community and townspeople who enabled her to live safely and freely.”
The statue now joins an exhibition about Macham’s life and a newly placed headstone on her previously unmarked grave in Preston Cemetery, ensuring her story will not be forgotten.
A Symbol of Bravery, Community, and Human Rights
Mary Ann Macham’s life represents more than personal survival. She became a symbol of courage, resilience, and the power of support from compassionate communities.
Her story highlights the role of Black individuals in shaping British history, often overlooked in mainstream accounts. The statue serves as an enduring reminder of the impact one person can have on a community and history.
“It’s important for people to see how Mary Ann overcame unimaginable hardship and thrived,” Towns said. “Her legacy inspires courage and community spirit for generations to come.”
