A global mission of Faith and Freedom: Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, 10th baronet
National Trust, Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE
Recent research has highlighted a connection between Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, 10th baronet.
Crowther was born with the name Ajayi in Osogun, in what is now western Nigeria. He was taken as a slave by Fulani raiders and sold several times. He was eventually freed by the British navy’s anti-slave trade patrol and settled in Sierra Leone. There he became a Christian, taking at baptism the name of an eminent clergyman in England, Samuel Crowther. He later studied in London, pioneered the study of African languages and was appointed the first black Bishop of Western Africa.
Acland and Crowther moved in similar circles. Both supported the antislavery movement and were members of the Church Missionary Society. In letters of 1851, Crowther describes staying with the Acland family at Killerton and attending meetings in Exeter.
This is the first time that we are telling this story at Killerton. The exhibition will take place in Killerton Chapel, where Acland family memory suggests that Crowther may have preached.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- 1000-1700
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000-1700
Location & directions
National Trust, Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE
- Directions:
- For additional information visit, https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton
- Contact on day:
- Nathan Turnock
- Telephone number:
- +441392881345
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Killerton Chapel is approximately 250m uphill from the visitor reception. Golf Buggies are available to transport visitors to the Chapel between 11am-3.30pm There are two steps and a narrow doorway into Killerton's grade 1 listed Chapel. The exhibition panels can also be viewed in a folder of images on a sofa in Killerton mansion. The surface of the Stables Courtyard where visitor reception, bookshop, plant sales, shop and cafe are located, is cobbled.
Additional information
This exhibition will launch as part of Heritage Open Days, but will run until 2 November. It will be free to enter on 12th & 13th September 2025. For later dates Killerton admissions charges apply.
