Cape Coast in Cape Coast Metropolitan District, Central Region, Ghana — West Africa
John Swanzy
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 24, 2023
1. John Swanzy Marker
In memory of John Swanzy, Governor of Accra, & Member of Council, 5th son of Henry & Anne Swanzy, of Avelreagh Co Monaghan, Ireland, who died at Cape Coast Castle 22nd Octbr 1807
His last act was to save from slavery some of the Fantees, seized after the capitulation of Fort Annanaboe to the King of Ashantee.
See Cruickshank’s 18 Years on the Gold Coast, Chap 4.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Wars, Non-US. A significant historical year for this entry is 1807.
Location. 5° 6.215′ N, 1° 14.458′ W. Marker is in Cape Coast, Central Region, in Cape Coast Metropolitan District. Marker can be reached from Victoria Road, on the right when traveling east. The marker is on the grounds of the Cape Coast Castle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Victoria Rd 15, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cape Coast Castle (a few steps from this marker); President Obama in Ghana (a few steps from this marker); Royal West African Frontier Force Memorial (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Methodist Church in Ghana / Rev. Joseph Rhodes Dunwell (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Rev. Thomas Birch Freeman (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Captain James Potter
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Fort Annanaboe, later Fort William, at Wikipedia.
(Submitted on July 8, 2023.)
2. The Ashanti-Fante Wars at Wikipedia. The English were allied with the coastal Fante ethnic group against the Ashanti. (Submitted on July 8, 2023.)
3. Eighteen Years on the Gold Coast by Brodie Cruikshank. The book mentioned on the marker contains incredible history of the times. One example of the honorable act of Swanzy reads:
"We are pleased to have it to add, that there was one of the members of council who indignantly refused to participate in such iniquitous gains. Mr. John Swanzy was governor of Accra at this time. As soon as he heard of the proceedings of the governor and his colleagues, he rose from a sick-bed, and went to Cape Coast by canoe. Although suffering from a mortal illness, which soon afterwards terminated in death, he hastened to prevent, if possible, the consummation of this great crime. His indignant remonstrances and threats of exposure were not in vain. The governor and his guilty colleagues, quailed before the angry rebukes of the sick man, strong in the(Submitted on July 8, 2023.)might of a righteous cause. They consented to undo their act, as far as now could be done. But there was much which could not be undone. In the interval which had elapsed, many of the poor creatures had been carried from the coast. But there were still some in the ships in the roads, and others in the slave-hold of the castle, who were returned to their homes. Having got all the redress which was in his power, Mr. Swanzy went back to Accra and died...Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 24, 20232. John Swanzy MarkerThe marker is towards the left of the stairs seen in the courtyard of the Cape Coast Castle.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2023, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 196 times since then and 97 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2023, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
