This exhibition about William Cuffay and Chatham features resources from Medway Archives Centre. In July 1870 William Cuffay died in Hobart, Tasmania Australia. He was 82 year old, a tailor by trade and was born in Chatham. Read the introduction to Cuffay and Chatham exhibition If you would like to know more email malsc@medway.gov.uk. Chatham Cuffay In 1786 Chatham Cuffay married Juliana Fox who was probably a local woman. They had 5 children, William was the oldest. Read more about Chatham Cuffay Dockyard connection William's father Chatham Cuffay was employed at Chatham Dockyard from July 1778 until August 1798. Read more about his dockyard connection Apprentice tailor By the time Cuffay was 19 he had completed his 7 year apprenticeship as a tailor in Chatham. Read more about his apprenticeship in tailoring To London and beyond William left Chatham and carried on working as a tailor in London. He married 3 times. Read more about his life in London and beyond Unrest and protest William Cuffay became actively involved in protests. In 1834 he took part in the general strike called by the GNCTU. Read more about unrest and protest Trial and aftermath Cuffay was arrested on 16 August 1848. He was sentenced banishment and transported on a prison ship to Australia. Read more about his trial and aftermath William Cuffay talk Watch our William Cuffay talk by Dr Clarke. More resources If you’d like to find out more about William Cuffay and other black people in Medway we have some additional resources for you to explore at Medway Archives Centre. Email us at malsc@medway.gov.uk. Black people in Medway 1655 to 1914 by Brian Joyce William Cuffay: Medway’s black chartist by Bruce Aubry William Cuffay: the life and times of a chartist leader by Martin Hoyles William Cuffay biography file: Medway Archives Centre Ref: VF MED920 CUFF Celebrating the Black presence in the Medway Towns: an exhibition for Black History Month 2007, Medway Archives Centre exhibition Related resources Untold Stories: A History of Black People in Kent documentary The Black History Live project and website, established by Medway African and Caribbean Association and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund
