Halfpenny Token, 1795. Mrs Newsham The White Negress. Scarce.
 
Amelia Newsham was born in Jamaica to enslaved parents and had albinism. In 1753, she was sent to London as a “gift” from her owner, Sir Simon Clarke, 6th Baronet—himself a convicted highwayman—to his son Kingsmill Clarke, a barrister who consented to her sale for 400 guineas. She was later purchased by a man named John Bennett (or Burnet), who exhibited her at fairs across Britain. She also appeared before private audiences, including members of the Royal Family and the Royal Society.
Descriptions from the time note her very pale complexion and white hair, measuring between four and six inches in length, with a texture likened to sheep’s wool. By 1795, she was being shown by Thomas Hall at his premises on City Road, and later at other venues. One exhibition in May 1798 reportedly caused a public disturbance in West Ham. In time, she married an Englishman and had six children.
Although her treatment is deeply troubling by modern standards, Amelia eventually used these circumstances to her advantage. She secured her freedom and later organized and managed her own exhibitions, charging visitors “a penny a look.” In 1824, one such event included a poem she wrote to welcome her audience:
“My nose, my lips, my features, all explore;
The just resemblance of a blackamore;
And on my head the silver-coloured wool;
Gives further demonstration clear and full;
This curious age may with amazement view;
What after ages won’t believe is true.”.
 
Some wear, surface marks and edge bumps.