Cast in Stone

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• 1774, Assembly of the Blackboy clock on Kendrick Street
  Paul Hawkins Fisher described the assembly of the clock in Notes and Recollections of Stroud (1871): "In the house immediately below the passage, John Miles, a watchmaker, formerly lived; and on the front of it he set up a clock, having a large dial-face, and the figure of a n****- boy with a bell before him, on which he sounded the hours with a club. This, it is believed, was the greatest noise, actual or metaphorical, the watchmaker ever made in the world. But he boasted of vast mechanical abilities; and told the writer, then a youth, that he possessed the secret of perpetual motion: and when standing with him at his door, he pointed to a heavily-laden timber-carriage, with a long team of horses passing up the street, and said he could construct a machine that would take up the carriage, timber and horses, throw them into the air, and turn them round for ever and ever! As may be supposed, this foolish boast had an effect on the writer’s young mind contrary to what was intended; for it convinced him that Miles was ignorant both of the proper objects of mechanical science, and of the laws of matter and motion which regulate and determine its power."
• 1830s, Relocation of the Blackboy Clock to Nelson Street
  Paul Hawkins Fisher described the relocation of the clock in Notes and Recollections of Stroud (1871): "After John Miles’s death, the clock and bell, with the figure of the n****-child, which had acquired the name of the Black Boy, were removed to the front of the Duke of York public- house in Nelson-street, where they remained several years." Writing much later in 1946, Stroud News dated the relocation "in the 30's of last century" i.e. in the 1830s.
• 1834, Erection of Anti-Slavery Arch in Stroud
• 1844, Relocation of the Blackboy Clock to Castle Street
  Paul Hawkins Fisher described the relocation of the clock in Notes and Recollections of Stroud (1871): "But, on the erection of the National School at the entrance of Castle-Street, in the year 1844, the clock and Black Boy, with his club and bell, were bought by subscription, and set up against the building. There the Boy has stood ever since, doing the duty of turning his head, lifting his club, and striking the hours of day and night as often as they come round; and there, it is hoped, he will for many years continue to perform his automatic exercises, to the wonder of strangers passing by, as he did to the admiration of boys and girls of old. But it has thereby come to pass that the identity, if not the very existence of the school, has been well-nigh lost in that of the Black Boy himself; inasmuch as a little girl being asked, “What school do you go to?” replied, “Please ma’am, I go to the Black Boy”; and this is the answer that all the children would give to the same question – “Please ma’am, I go to the Black Boy.” Indeed, it has been whispered that some high and grave authorities, whose duties often lead them to the Black Boy, call the school by the same name, to the great dismay of the purists in nomenclature, who prefer its less equivocal and , not doubt more accurate appellation of The School, (or the National School,) in Castle-street."
• 1940s, Blackboy Clock mechanism stops working
  Stroud News gave the following summary of events: "We understand a movement is on foot to restore to activity the somnolent Black boy on the facade of Castle Street Girls’ School [...] a number of a years has passed since the Black Boy’s mechanism broke down. [...] there is a distinct revival of the sentiment for the quickening of the Black Boy of Stroud. We hope this will be effected by either the school authority or public subscription." 
• 1961, Blackboy Clock inspected for restoration
  Stroud News and Journal gave the following summary of the inspection: "One morning last week, Mr. T. R. Robinson of Bristol, technical editor to the “Horological Journal”, motored to Stroud especially to see the mechanism which operates the well-known “Black Boy” clock which has for so long been a feature of the Castle Street Girls School building. Through the good offices of the headmistress (Miss Peacock), he was taken up into the attic room (together with a “News and Journal” reporter and photographer) and was shown the surprisingly small piece of a mechanism which, when correctly adjusted, operates the clock and the little figure which strikes the bell above it. He was delighted with what he saw, describing it as a “baby turret clock of the birdcage frame type; a slightly enlarged version of a grandfather clock. A weight driven typical clock of its period; very nicely made” Mr. Robinson was then told by Miss Peacock some facts about the history of the Black Boy clock since it was made by one, John Miles, a Stroud watchmaker in 1774 (the date is clearly to be seen on the mechanism.) [...] Mr. Robinson thinks the figure needs but little expert attention to again be set to work. Indeed, he said he was quite prepared to do the job himself, as soon as opportunity serves and permission is given. “Not many towns have the distinction of these little ‘jack’ figures,” he said. “I would love to see the dial restored in blue and gold, the little figure made quite right and painted in bright colours.” “I think he would be quite an asset to the town and attract the attention of the public in general and of tourists.” “People like these jack clocks, they always attract. The two on St. Dunstan’s, in Fleet St., always attract a small crowd when they strike the bell.” Mr. Robinson went on, “People travel quite a distance to see these jack clocks at work and I think Stroud will be missing a great opportunity if we don’t get this one put into really first-class order.” [...] “There is nothing seriously wrong with it mechanically. It is in beautiful condition. If the dirt was removed and the little figure put in order it would be an absolutely first-class job and a jolly good time-keeper, too.”" 
• 1974, Blackboy Clock removed for restoration
  Stroud News and Journal gave the following summary of events: "Time, it seems, has finally caught up with one of Stroud’s most interesting and familiar features. As reported in last week’s issue, the old Black Boy figure and clock which for the last 130 or so years have adorned the front of the former Black Boy School in Lower Street (now the Teachers’ Centre) are very, very worn; so worn, in fact, that recently they were carefully removed and placed in the hands of craftsmen for treatment. Made in 1774 by one John Miles, a noted Stroud clock maker of his day, the clock itself is now in pieces on a workshop bench in North Woodchester. AROUND TIME Polishing and cleaning its innards, replacing the many worn parts and generally rejuvenating the 200-year-old timepiece is a man whose life, it could reasonably be said, revolves around time. Mr. Michael Maltin of Home Ground, North Woodchester, knows just about all there is to know about clocks. Indeed, the main interest of this retired BOAC senior captain is much broader than merely ‘tweaking’ old clocks back into shape. He is interested in time itself and with every aspect of how it is measured. [...] Stroud’s Black Boy was, in its way, a work of art, he said, but it was in dire need of attention, having been out of order for some time. “It’s in an absolutely filthy condition. There is some ‘dentistry’ to be done on some of the cogs and gears and quite a bit of delicate machining is involved.”
 Of the Black Boy figure itself — a little n**** boy holding a gong in one hand which he strikes with the other — Mr. Maltin said it too was in a rather sorry state. “One arm is missing and quite frankly, the head is rotten — it’s all made of wood, of course. But I’m sure something can be done with it.” The Teachers’ Centre, he said, was already in touch with another local craftsman — this time in wood — who could restore the figure. BI-CENTENARY “We hope that it will all be finished and back in place at least before the end of the year,” said Mr. Maltin. “It has to be really because 1974 is the Black Boy’s bi-centenary.”" 
• 1974, Stroud Teachers' Centre given Grade II listing
  Historic England gives the following list entry: "1844. Former Black Boy School. Ashlar. Pitched tile roof with coped gables on kneelers. Ashlar chimneys. 2 storeys. Mullion and transom windows with hoodmoulds and diagonal iron glazing bars. Octagonal clock; C18 figure of Black Boy striking bell on corbel table, pointed hood over. Iron railings with fleur-de-lys finials round school yard."
• 1977, Blackboy Clock restored
  Stroud News and Journal gave the following summary of the restoration: "Stroud’s famous little black boy is striking the hour again after a silence of over 20 years. It was two years ago that Woodchester man Mr. Michael Maltin (pictured above) re-moved the broken clock and rotting black boy statue from the Teachers’ Centre building in Castle Street. The 200-year-old clock was repaired and restored by Mr. Maltin and the equally aged black boy was repaired by Mr. Pat Conolly, a member of the Guild of Gloucesteshire Craftsmen, and guilded and painted by singwriter Mr. B. M. Durn. The clock and black boy were re-erected at the weekend, and not only does the boy strike the hour, but his head also turns to listen to the ringing bell. The only thing remaining to be solved is what sort of leaves the black boy has round his waist."
• 1995, Blackboy Clock falls into disrepair
  Stroud News and Journal gave the following summary: "An expert clock-mender has appealed to Stroud Art College to allow him access to an historic Stroud landmark - before it decays beyond repair. Mr Michael Maltin, a former airline pilot from North Woodchester, says he is willing to mend the Black Boy clock, on the old Black Boy School in Castle Street, free of charge. Along with two other local craftsmen he totally overhauled the clock, which features a black child ringing a bell and turning his head, between 1974 and 1977 and has been dismayed at its decline since then. ‘It needs attention and I know what’s wrong with it, but I’ve tried several times to get up there and can’t get in,’ he said. ‘I’m quite prepared to go and restore it and get it in working order - if necessary I’ll even wind it myself,’ he said. The clock started life on the front of High Street watch-maker John Miles’ house around 200 years ago and was moved after his death. DISREPAIR It then spent several years on the front of the Duke of York pub in Nelson Street - before being bought in 1844 by public subscription and placed on the front of the Castle-Street National School. Winding the clock became the responsibility of the senior class who took it in turns, but after the school closed the clock fell into disrepair. The building is now used as part of Stroud Art College and Mr Maltin wants the authorities to let him work on the clock. ‘I would say it’s unique because it’s the only jack clock in the country where you’ve got the original clock driving the original jack,’ he said. ‘It should either be restored or put in a museum.’ Local residents have appealed to Stroud Town Council to try and save the historic clock’s hourly chime and the council’s planning committee has promised to look into it. FAMILIAR ‘It wasn’t really melodious, but it was one of those familiar sounds that gave us the feeling that all was well with the world,’ said Mrs Elizabeth Sargeant, who lives in nearby Middle Street, Stroud, and is a member of the National Trust’s executive council. ‘Because it does date from such a long time ago, it would be such a great loss to Stroud to lose it.’"
• 2001, Removal of the blackamoor caricature for restoration
  At some stage between August 1995 and June 2001, the blackamoor caricature was removed for restoration works. A photo of the building by Maurice R Teal dated June 13th 2001 from Historic England Archive shows the figure absent from the building at this date. By February 2004, with restoration work on the figure and clock complete, the Blackboy Clock had been re-assembled in its original position.
• 2004, Blackboy Clock restored again
  Stroud News and Journal gave the following summary of the restoration: "A historic Stroud clock is tick-tocking for the first time in 50 years after a recently completed restoration project. The Black Boy Clock, which dates back to the 18th century, is running again on the old Black Boy School building on Castle Street following an £8,000 refit. Richard Mellish, who owns the former school building, masterminded the year-long project along with a £2,000 grant from Stroud Town Council. “It was bought by public subscription originally so it is a part of Stroud, really,” he said. “I am very pleased it is finally completed.” Town mayor John Marjoram was also pleased with the horological masterpiece. “It is a fascinating clock and we are delighted that it is finally working again,” he said. “It is all these little things that I think really make the town what it is.”"
• 2020, Stroud District Council press release - 'We’re listening to BAME residents to tackle racism'
  The text of the press release ran as follows: Stroud District Council has committed to work even harder to tackle racism and listen closely to BAME residents, to build an inclusive and cohesive district where everyone feels safe. Council Leader Doina Cornell told members of the Strategy and Resources Committee that everyone must stand together to tackle racism, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. All four political group leaders issued a statement on Monday 8th June, condemning racism and reaffirming the council’s commitment to promoting equality and tackling discrimination. At the committee meeting on Thursday 18th June, councillors listened to residents’ concerns on racism and answered their questions. She has worked on with Green group leader Martin Whiteside and others including Liberal Democrat leader Ken Tucker, to develop some specific actions which the council is acting on: Do all we can as a council to ensure we are an inclusive and anti-racist organisation with zero tolerance for racism and discrimination. We commit to reviewing existing anti-racist and anti-discrimination policies and practices, including training for members and staff and take action to strengthen these as required. Work with everyone in our community, and especially our local BAME residents to amplify BAME voices in our district and to hear from them where best to focus efforts. Consult with the community on any street and building names, statues and architectural features that may be considered offensive and if actions need to be taken. And we must consult on how best to educate ourselves about our history, the local legacy of slavery, and the local historical contribution of BAME people to our district. During this current administration, councillors have continued to receive equality and diversity training, and mandatory racism awareness training for all councillors will be undertaken shortly. SDC staff will also undergo the same training, building on existing mandatory equality and diversity training. Watch the meeting, including the whole Leader’s speech and public questions at www.stroud.gov.uk/sr180620
• 2021, Local news coverage of Stroud District Council Blackboy Clock consultation
• 2021, Stroud District Council Blackboy Clock consultation closes
  Stroud District Council provided the following summary: "One thousand six hundred responses have been received on a Stroud District Council consultation in to reviewing street or building names and monuments. The consultation has now closed and the review panel, drawn from community representatives, councillors and historians will consider the responses and publish its recommendations. “Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey, we received over 1600 responses,” said Councillor Natalie Bennett, who chairs the panel. “The Review Panel will now carefully consider all responses received before making their recommendations to Council later in the year.” The review was held in response to concerns raised during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, to ensure street names, statues and commemorations represent local people’s values and a modern, inclusive council. The review included gathering views on the Blackboy Clock in Stroud. The review also asked for nominations of other names, particularly of under-represented groups, who have done something memorable and who should be celebrated."
• 2021, Stroud District Council launches Blackboy Clock consultation
  Stroud District Council made the following announcement on the consultation: "We are asking residents to tell us if there are monuments, plaques, buildings, street names or other representations of history that they feel don’t align with the values we want to live by. We are launching an 8 week consultation to gather views on our draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy as well. Review of street or building names and monuments in the district In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement brought to the world’s attention important issues relating to on-going racism in society. An important issue that was raised related to ensuring that commemorations of history are appropriate to the current time and the Council committed to consult with the community on any street names, buildings and statues within the district that may be considered offensive. This review is to ensure statues and commemorations, as well as the names of streets and buildings, are representative of local people’s values and those of a modern, inclusive Council. As part of this review we want to ensure that the diversity of our communities is appropriately reflected so we’re also asking for nominations of other names, particularly of under-represented groups, who have done something memorable and who we should celebrate. This consultation therefore also invites the consideration for future recognition of individuals or events that celebrate diversity and important events in our recent history. Feedback from the consultation will also be used to help determine a future approach to public spaces. Hearing from people through this consultation about what’s important to them will help us ensure that in future the different histories and achievements are reflected. Residents are also being asked what they think and feel about the Blackboy Clock, Blackboy House, Castle Street, Stroud and a comprehensive report detailing its history and what we know about the statue and the clock has been published with the consultation documents. A Review Panel made up of community representatives, councillors and historians will review the findings to determine the action that should be taken. The suggestions received will be reviewed with a range of possible outcomes including but not limited to relocation, the addition of explanatory information, renaming or removal. In some cases, it may be decided that no action is necessary at all. The Review Panel will then publish it’s recommendations based on the representations made. “We want to ensure that statues and commemorations, as well as the names of streets and buildings, are representative of local people’s values and those of a modern, inclusive Council,” said Cllr Natalie Bennett who chairs the Review Panel. “We have an opportunity to celebrate the diverse communities which make up the Stroud District and to recognise the achievements of people from black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities and from other underrepresented groups that may have been overlooked in the past. Hearing from people through this consultation about what’s important to them will help us achieve this.” "
• 2021, Stroud District Council press release - 'Community Representatives needed for Review Panel'
  The text of the press release ran as follows: Stroud District Council is set to review street and building names, statues and architectural features to ensure they represent the community’s values – and we want to recruit two community representatives to help with this. As part of its response to issues raised by the Black Lives Matter movement last year, the Council committed to undertake a review and community consultation of any street and building names, statues and architectural features to ensure they are representative of local peoples’ values, the unique history and heritage of Stroud district, and those of an inclusive Council. The Council will start this consultation in May and is setting up a Review Panel to analyse responses and put forward any appropriate recommendations. The Panel will consist of members of the Council’s Equality Working Group and external representatives. We also want to make sure that the views of our communities are included on the Review Panel, so we are recruiting two Community Representatives. The consultation will work within new laws announced by Government in January which say all historic statues, plaques and other monuments will now require full planning permission to remove, ensuring due process and local consultation in every case, and that the law will make clear that historic monuments should be retained and explained ...
• 2022, Councillors debate Stroud District Council Blackboy Clock recommendations
  The Chair of the Review Panel, Councillor Bennett, introduced the report and advised that since the worldwide Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020, the Council had committed to carrying out consultation with its communities and undertaking a review of any street and building names, statues and architectural features in the district that may have been considered offensive. They thanked the Review Panel for all of the work they had put into the review over the last 11 months. A public consultation had been launched in 2021 and over 1600 responses were received which helped the panel to compile the recommendations laid out in the report. The Review Panel had concluded, following the consultation, that the Blackboy Clock and Statue should not be on display in the public realm but should be redisplayed with detailed interpretation in a place that provided learning and education. The recommendation that Council was being asked to consider was to explore if removal of the statue could be achieved. Councillor Bennett also drew Members attention to the additional recommendations of the Review Panel. Councillor Bennett invited some of the Review Panel Members, who attended the meeting, to give their thoughts. Mr Guthrie, community representative on the Review Panel, highlighted the following: · They had written to the council in June 2020 regarding the clock · Thanked the Review Panel members, family and friends for support · They had taken the time to read through the 1600 responses and take on board what the consultations responses said. · Asked Members to think of the report as a series of starting points rather than an ending · The conversation about how the district could become more inclusive for everybody needed to continue. Ms Hoskin, community representative on the Review Panel, highlighted the following: · Impressed by the thoroughness of Stroud District Council in conducting the public consultation and the processing of the results. · People were beginning to realise that diversity enriched communities. · Encouraged by the proposal of a task force that could implement some of the ideas. Mr Butler, historian and member of Radical Stroud on the Review Panel, highlighted the following: · The conception of education should go beyond the demographic of youth. · Resources should be developed for community education in a variety of accessible ways, means and media. · Community education could strengthen community cohesion. The chair thanked the Review Panel members. Councillor Pearson raised concerns regarding the validity of the consultation results and whether it was a representative snapshot of views across the district. Councillor Bennett confirmed that based on the electorate for the district, which was around 96000, a representative sample would be 1,058 with a margin of error of 3%. The number of consultation responses received was above the numbers needed for a standard representative sample for the district. In response to further questions from Councillor Pearson, Councillor Bennett confirmed that until January 2022 they believed that the residents of the building owned the clock and statue and they had consulted with them. However, it became apparent that the clock and statue had been put into a trust 20 years ago, they had contacted the trustees however they had not been able to respond and so they had been in contact with a member of their family instead. CouncillorGreen asked whether Stroud Town Council had provided any funds to repair the clock and statue following an application for a grant. It was confirmed that they had received a grant from the Town Council. Councillor Green also questioned whether a plaque should be provided on the building and a further consultation carried out once the contextual information had been added. This was so that the public could revaluate whether the information provided changed their views as to removal. Councillor Bennett advised that it was their plan to provide a plaque even if the clock and statue had not been removed but had received very strong responses in favour of removal. In response to questions from Councillor Braun, Brown and Studdert-Kennedy the following was confirmed: · They wanted the communities to help shape any future community events or commemorations and that the task force would help to progress this work. · They were hoping that schools would be encouraged to use this as a way to educate pupils on the issues surrounding the Blackboy Clock and Statue and the task force would be engaging with communities. · The figure of £33.5k was for the relocation of the clock and statue and further information on the financials were included in the implications on page 78. · The plaque would not be placed on the building but would be placed nearby. Councillor Sutton raised concerns over the removal of the clock and statue and stated that he had spoken to many people who thought it should remain in situ. Councillor Bennett reminded Members that they were not recommending that the statue was removed immediately but that they should pursue removal based on the results of the consultation. Councillor Patrick asked questions regarding Blackboys Road in Dursley. Councillor Bennett confirmed that the recommendation was for a consultation to be carried out with the residents of the 8 houses in conjunction with Dursley Town Council and that a larger consultation had not been ruled out. Proposed by Councillor Bennett and seconded by Councillor Cornell. Councillor Pearson acknowledged the extensive work that had been carried out by the review panel but stated that the implications of the project had not been thought through and it had been poorly costed. He further stated that there was no guarantee that the statue would go to the Museum in the Park and that the consultation did not provide a true representation of the district. He stated that a more thorough consultation should take place. Councillor Aldam advised that they understood the concerns regarding manipulating history or destroying it and provided reassurance that history didn’t change but how we see it could. Councillor Jones stated that following Councillor Aldams’ statement he had been tempted to change his decision and thanked the Review Panel who had produced one of the most thorough pieces of work he had seen. He highlighted his concerns with the budget and the consultation results not being representative. He also drew Members’ attention to Historic Englands position which stated ‘parts of our heritage may confront us with aspects of our past which we now question, which may be associated with injustice and which may be painful. It is right that as a society we respond to such associations, but we believe that this is best done, not by removal, but by preservation, and responding to them in ways which can explain their context and prompt reflection”. Councillor James thanked the Review Panel members and stated that we should be removing the statue and clock and put it into a museum as leaving it where it was would be a mistake. They stated that the statue and clock would not be erected now and therefore we needed to acknowledge that and remove it. Councillor Turner stated that the finances were not exact at this point however they were confident the final figures would be robustly interrogated by the Section 151 Officer. They also confirmed that the majority of responses were in favour of removal and that the statue was not in its first home and had been moved previously, it therefore did not need to be the final location for the statue. Councillor Evans queried whether a plaque could be included on the anti-slavery arch so that the good and bad sides of history were on display. Councillor Braun reminded members of the statement that the political group leaders had released in 2020 condemning racism. They also stated that there had been many residents who had responded to the issue and that they need to listen to what people were telling them. They drew Member’s attention to page 102 and stated that if the recommendations were approved then they would proceed at every stage with community engagement. Councillor Cornell commended Members for the level of respectful debate at the meeting and thanked the Review Panel for all their work. Councillor Cornell reminded Members of the anonymous email they had received prior to the start of the review. The email stated that the figurine wasn’t based on a specific individual but served as a monument to the commodification and later exotification of black bodies that emerged as a result of slavery and that the statue was symbolic of systemic racism. They stated that if all the recommendations were implemented their understanding of the past would be enriched, and would be enhanced. Councillor Bennett confirmed that a robust process had been followed and that the recommendations would make a positive difference. They urged Members to vote in favour. On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried with 26 votes in favour, 2 against and 12 abstentions. RESOLVED To a) Thank the Review Panel for their contribution to this work; and b) Accept all recommendations of the Review Panel outlined in section 4 of this report.
• 2022, Removal of plaque below Blackboy Clock
  A black informational plaque attached to the railings below the Blackboy Clock was removed by an unknown individual. The text of the removed plaque read as follows: "The Blackboy Clock was made by John Miles of Kendrick Street, Stroud in 1774. It is the only working Jack Clock movement in Gloucestershire. It was restored by Mr A J Nicholls, MBHI, of Bristol in 2004 with assistance from Stroud Town and Stroud District Councils."
• 2022, Stroud District Council announces Blackboy Clock recommendations
  More than 1,600 responses to a Stroud District Council-led review of street or building names and monuments helped inform recommendations which elected members will carefully consider next week. Recommendations under consideration could start a process leading to the removal of the Blackboy clock and statue from its current location in Stroud, following concerns raised by residents in the wake of the Black Lives Matters protests of 2020. Recommendations include: The Council consult with the legal owner of the statue and the clock to secure its removal. If listed building consent is received and the statue and clock removed, the statue and clock is offered to The Museum in the Park collection. Blackboy House is renamed. The Council should undertake a review of the street name ‘Blackboys’, Dursley. The Council should progress plans for the restoration of the Anti-Slavery Arch, Paganhill, and a task force established by the Council to contextualise the statue and oversee the installation of an information plaque outside Blackboy House, and develop a community project for the commemoration of an individual, group of individuals or event suggested in the survey responses. The Council’s street naming protocol is reviewed so that names will not be considered that may be construed as discriminatory or offensive under the Equality Act 2010; or those which could be considered as ‘not in the spirit’ of this act, will not be considered. The Council’s Culture Strategy, which is currently in development, should empower communities and individuals to celebrate and share their history, heritage, culture and identity, focus on increasing representation of Black, Asian and Ethnically diverse communities as well as those from a range of social and economic backgrounds, celebrate aspects of the district’s cultural and community diversity, encourage and support the creation of work that demonstrates collaboration across a wide range of diverse backgrounds The day after the Edward Colston statue was toppled into Bristol Harbour on June 7, 2020, all four Stroud District Council political group leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming the council’s commitment to promoting equality and tackling discrimination, then actions were outlined including consulting on any street and building names, statues and architectural features that may be considered offensive. Subsequently, district residents raised concerns about Blackboy Statue, Blackboy House, Castle Street, Stroud and called on the council to consider its removal. SDC established a Review Panel to undertake a public consultation and review of streets, statues and monuments across the district including Blackboy Statue as part of this review. Academics and historians were invited to be part of a Review Panel and three community representatives were recruited through an open application process. The Review Panel carefully researched, analysed, and debated evidence on the origins of the Blackboy Clock and Statue. As well as this, the Panel received and considered more than 1600 responses to a public consultation which ran from Wednesday7 July 2021 to Wednesday 1 September 2021. The clock is dated 1774 and is an unusual example of a Jacquemart clock, designed by John Miles and originally set on the front of his shop in Kendrick Street, Stroud before being moved to the Duke of York pub in Nelson Street, Stroud before being bought by subscription and finally installed on the front of the National School for Girls, now known as Blackboy House, Castle Street, Stroud. Since 1974, Blackboy House has been listed as a Grade II building and freehold is owned by Blackboy House Management Company Limited. However the statue and clock belong to The Blackboy Clock Trust. The key findings from the survey were: 79% of respondents felt the statue should be removed 59% felt the statue should be placed in a museum 22% felt the statue should remain where it is A broad spread of people/groups to potentially commemorate were suggested The consultation did not identify any individuals who were central to the slave trade as having have been commemorated, although there are beneficiaries of hereditary wealth and colonialism within the district. The survey responses made clear that the statue causes pain and offence but it should not be hidden from the public, instead put in a place where an interpretation can be provided, providing learning and education so that we can continue to challenge what is no longer acceptable, provoke thinking and to demonstrate that change is needed. Most Blackboy House residents supported removal of the statue though some wanted to keep the clock. The Review Panel is consulting with a family member of the trustees of the Blackboy Clock Trust, who are unable to comment, however conversations with the family member continue. Any removal would need Listed Building Consent, and under new national regulations if a council intends to grant LBC and Historic England objects, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will make a final decision. Any artefact offered to a museum must fit its collecting policy in order to be accepted into the collections. The Review Panel also considered that regardless of the origins, the street name of Blackboys in Dursley causes offence. Other reviews have taken place for similar names across the country which have resulted in name changes. There are 8 properties on this street with a ‘Blackboys’ address and the Review Panel recommend that the council consults with the residents of Blackboys to consider renaming the street. All elected members will consider the report at the Full Council meeting on Thursday, April 28. Councillor Natalie Bennett, who chairs the Review Panel said: “Consulting with the public was a positive action for SDC to have taken and enabled a democratic, transparent and open process to be followed. The Review Panel has taken time to carefully consider the responses and a complex set of issues before making recommendations. Key to moving this work forward will be the ongoing involvement of our communities so that we can continue to take a collective and collaborative approach to equalities, diversity and inclusion in our district. Review Panel member Dan Guthrie said: “Being a part of this review panel over the last few months has been an interesting experience, and I hope people take the time to read through and think about the recommendations we have come up with. Hopefully, these recommendations will help us to continue conversations about how our district can become a more inclusive place for everybody living in it, and potentially start new ones off too.” Council Leader Doina Cornell added: “This review was undertaken in response to the rightful challenge posed to us all by the Black Lives Matter movement and by local residents, to tackle systemic racism, and is part of a wider piece of work that the council has undertaken. I'm grateful to the panel for all the work they've put into this and how they have ensured that their recommendations reflect our community's views as to what next steps are needed.” The full report can be read at https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=143&MId=1143&Ver=4 The meeting can be viewed online at the council’s YouTube channel, either live or recorded: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeH_AmF0s-TShcYlM8Stweg/videos
• 2022, Stroud District Council press release - 'Statement: Black Boy clock and statue'
  Stroud District Council issued the following press release: "Following publicity around the review of street or building names and monuments, the council wishes to clarify that there are no immediate plans to remove the Black Boy clock and statue A Stroud District Council spokesperson said: “There are no immediate plans to remove the Black Boy clock and statue in Castle Street, Stroud. The council has voted to explore how removal could be achieved and this process is expected to take some time. This follows extensive consultation and response, and the public will have further opportunity to have their say. As we have stated previously, removal is not guaranteed. Approval for removal would be required from stakeholders including the owners of the clock and statue, the Local Planning Authority, Historic England and very likely the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. This is part of an ongoing conversation about how our district can become a more inclusive place for everybody living in it, in response to concerns raised from residents.”"