FILMMAKER’S HISTORIC REVELATION

The Teesdale Mercury, Oct 20, 2009

A FILMMAKER from Teesdale has been the first person to reveal the discovery of thousands of skeletons on an isolated island - a find that experts say is of “global historical significance”.

During the 19th century, the South Atlantic island of St. Helena was a Royal Navy base for operations against slave traders.

Archaeologists have now unearthed the remains of more than 8,000 slaves in an area known as Rupert’s Valley on the island.

Historians believe slaves had been liberated by the Navy but died a slow and painful death from diseases such as small pox before they could return home. 

Authorities on the island, which is still a British overseas territory, have kept the discovery under wraps until more research is carried out.

But David Rabbitts, who lives near Cotherstone, was given permission to feature the story on his latest film, which is about St. Helena and Ascension Island, 700 miles to the north-west.

By doing so, he became the first person to tell the outside world about the macabre revelation.

Mr Rabbitts said: “We all need a bit of luck and, as a filmmaker, this was mine. It was a privilege to be there.”

“The slaves had been liberated at sea; the hope that they must have had when they reached the shore . . . but for many, it was too late.”

Island historians had known about slaves being buried in the valley for a number of years, but the significance of the site was not known until archaeologists visited last year.

The authorities soon had to ship in more archaeologists after thousands of skeletons were found.

It is now estimated that at least 8,000 freed slaves perished at the Rupert’s Valley Liberation Depot after being unable to survive the depravations endured in the hands of slave traders. St. Helena’s National Trust said the archaeological work “has made it clear that the Liberation Depot is of global historical significance, certainly rare and possibly unique”.

They also called for history books to recognise St. Helena’s role during the period. Mr Rabbitts said he felt an overwhelming emotion when he filmed at Rupert’s Valley.

“It’s a very moving place,” he said. “Many families did not know why their menfolk or children had gone missing. They were never to be seen again.”

“I tried to imagine someone coming into my life and taking me to another country and to be put into forced labour.”

Called ‘Jewels of The Tropical South Atlantic’, Mr Rabbitts’ latest film is subtitled ‘A Country Lad in the footsteps of an Emperor’.

It charts the wildlife and history of Ascension and Saint Helena, the island where Napoleon died after he was exiled. The documentary was ‘premiered’ at Mickleton Village Hall last week to an audience of about 160 people. Before it was shown, Mr Rabbitts read out a message from Stedson Stroud, a conservation officer on Ascension.

Mr Stroud said: “Through the Jewels of The Tropical South Atlantic, you will see the gateway to these two foreign islands. You will see these islands projected as never before. No one has ever filmed and illustrated them in the length and depth in the way David has done. I hope some of you will come down here to visit us as a result of what you see tonight. A very warm welcome awaits.”

The film, which lasted one hour and 50 minutes, was warmly greeted by the audience, who enjoyed Mr Rabbitts’ laid-back style, attention to detail and stories of life and conservation on the windswept islands.

At the interval, it was announced that £1,040 was raised for Cancer Research and Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS) through ticket sales and a raffle.

Loud applause followed the film’s finale - the sight of a turtle returning to the sea after its epic journey to lay its eggs on the sands of St. Helena.