A plaque commemorating African-Caribbean prisoners from the 18th century was stolen shortly after its unveiling at Portchester Castle in Hampshire. The plaque honored 2,500 individuals transported to Britain as prisoners of war in 1796, a story largely overlooked in history. The theft has been linked to ongoing issues of racism, as descendants of the prisoners express their heartbreak over the incident.
The theft occurred during Black History Month and has sparked discussions about the legacy of slavery and the importance of recognizing Black British history. Officials reported the incident to the police, and community leaders emphasized the need to continue uncovering hidden stories related to this history, asserting that such acts cannot erase the past.