A commemorative plaque honoring approximately 2,500 African-Caribbean prisoners of war was stolen from Portchester Castle in Hampshire, UK, within days of its unveiling in October 2026. Castle staff discovered the plaque missing on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, five days after its official dedication.

This theft removes a significant historical marker that illuminated an often-overlooked aspect of British and Caribbean history. It has drawn strong condemnation from community leaders and descendants who view it as an attack on historical memory, transforming a moment of recognition into a police investigation during Black History Month.

The Missing Plaque

The stolen plaque detailed the history of about 2,500 African-Caribbean men, women, and children who were brought to Britain as prisoners in 1796. These individuals were captured by British forces during conflicts over St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, with more than 2,000 subsequently imprisoned at Portchester Castle. Their stories were reconstructed through historical research by the University of Warwick, in collaboration with Caribbean communities and heritage partners. The commissioning of the plaque was a joint effort by St Vincent and the Grenadines 2nd Generation (SV2G), the University of Warwick, and English Heritage.

A Brief Commemoration

The plaque was officially unveiled on Friday, October 9, 2026, during a ceremony attended by Caribbean communities, diplomats, researchers, and heritage organizations. It marked one of the largest known arrivals of African-Caribbean people in Britain before the Windrush era. Just five days later, on October 14, 2026, Portchester Castle staff found the plaque gone. Investigators noted that a padlock on one of the castle gates had been removed, and a nearby bench was vandalized with hateful graffiti. Police are currently investigating the incident.

Community Outcry

The theft has been widely condemned by descendants and community leaders. Professor Katherine Astbury from the University of Warwick expressed profound sadness over the loss, emphasizing the plaque's role in honoring a significant and often-forgotten part of Caribbean history. Dr. Jacqueline Roberts, CEO of SV2G, described the theft as “deeply upsetting for our community” and “an act against memory itself”. Ronald Raymond McDonald, a professional drummer and a descendant of Garifuna ancestors who were among the prisoners from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, stated he was heartbroken by the incident, perceiving it as an act of racism. The incident is largely perceived as an act of systemic racism and an attack on historical memory.

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm if there are any suspects in the theft. We also could not confirm if there is any surveillance footage of the incident.