Grave of Unknown African 'I.D', north east side of Church of St John the Baptist

This is the grave of an unknown African, referred to as 'I. D.', located on the north east side of the Church of St John the Baptist. It dates to 1801 and is rectangular, topped with a segmental arch. Above the arch is a foliate design, surrounded by a simple pattern of repeated segments. The inscription is presented in both Roman and italic scripts and reads: 'Here lieth the Body of I. D. / A Native of Africa / who died in this Town / Sept 9th 1801 / God hath made of one Blood, all nations / of Men. Act 17 ch. ver. 26.' The words 'A Native of Africa' are notably large and italicized, with flourishes.

While definitive information about the individual commemorated is lacking, the burial register records the internment of John Davies on 12 September 1801, with a historic annotation linking him to the 'I. D.' headstone. It is believed 'I. D.' likely came to Bishop's Castle or a nearby country house as a servant. The quality of the headstone, with its ornate inscription and decoration, suggests the person commemorated held a degree of status. The biblical quotation included may indicate the memorial’s erector was sympathetic to the abolitionist movement. Notably, the tomb is oriented away from other graves, facing west towards an ancient yew tree, effectively concealing the inscription from general view.

The tomb's presence in this churchyard presents unresolved historical questions about how this African died in Bishop's Castle in 1801. The headstone is of group value with the Church of St John the Baptist and other listed tombs in the area.