So many slaves in the Bahamas, were given names of which they were not aware, held great historical significance to the English. One such name was given to the negro man, Drogheda. Just like his historical name signified, Drogheda appeared to have been such a menace in New Providence, that under sale, it was a condition that he not return on pain of death. This meant that anyone buying him had to transport him out of the Bahama Islands. Drogheda is an unusual name for sure, and its significance to the person who bestowed the name must have been an interesting one.
A LITTLE HISTORY OF DROGHEDA
Drogheda is the name of one of the oldest towns in Ireland. It was created in 1661. There was a great siege at Drogheda when Oliver Cromwell, now Lord Protector of England after beheading King Charles I of England in January 1649, landed in Ireland in August 1649. He conquered Ireland and reclaimed it on behalf of the English Parliament. When Cromwell landed, he ordered that no quarter be given. There was a massacre at Drogheda.
NASSAU, 1798, A SLAVE NAMED DROGHEDA
TO BE SOLD
On MONDAY the 30th Day of April instant
At XI o’clock,
At the VENDUE HOUSE in NASSAU
A NEGRO MAN name DROGHEDA,
sentenced to be transported out of the Bahama Islands, and never to return on Pain of Death.
W. Bayliss, Pro. Mar.
N. B. The Purchaser must give Security to transport him, before he can be delivered out of Custody.
Nassau, April 20, 1798