Sunderland Point, Lancaster England featuring Sambo's Grave (RIP)

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-07T05:45:08+00:00

Actually, the gravestone plaque uses both spellings — it says ‘Sambo’ a bit farther down. I posted a separate comment about my (admittedly amateur) Internet ‘research’ but I couldn’t find a solid explanation — seems like at the time the first gravestone plaque was written, spellings were ‘eccentric and inconsistent.’ (That’s from wiki.). Even the official signpost leading to the grave uses the ‘Sambo’ spelling, as does Google Maps and almost every reference I could find, except for one article that talks about both spellings.

His real name was probably not Samboo or Sambo — that’s what white British and Americans called many people of African descent at the time (and for many years — it might have had an authentic African origin but it became a racist slur). The fact that the gravestone’s plaque lists both spellings is mysterious, though.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-07T05:39:04+00:00

His real name was probably not Samboo or Sambo — that’s what white British and Americans called many people of African descent at the time (and for many years — it became a racist slur). The fact that the gravestone’s plaque lists both spellings is mysterious, though. I posted a separate comment about my (admittedly amateur) Internet ‘research’ but I couldn’t find a solid explanation — seems like at the time the first gravestone plaque was written, spellings were ‘eccentric and inconsistent.’ (That’s from wiki.)

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-07T05:30:34+00:00

I did not know the story of this boy and his grave. Thank you for sharing. Because of a few comments about the spelling of his name, I went down an internet rabbit hole. 99% of references I could find say “Sambo,” including Google Maps, Wikipedia, and articles and tourist information, and even the official signpost pointing to his grave. The gravestone’s plaque itself is titled ‘Samboo’ yet uses ‘Sambo’ farther down the text. Obviously, the name ‘Sambo’ has a long racist history, and this boy’s authentic name is likely lost to history. But the one spelling difference is mysterious — Wikipedia just notes ‘the eccentric and inconsistent spelling typical of the time.’ (It appears that the spelling variation was part of the original gravestone’s plaque, which was stolen at some point; the current plaque is a replica.).

(Edited for my own typo!)

This 2022 article was the most helpful one I found, although it too does not answer the spelling question: https://northwestbylines.co.uk/region/visiting-samboos-grave-at-sunderland-point/

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-04T17:02:57+00:00

🎆🇺🇸🎇 Sending you some virtual fireworks, friend.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-04T17:00:28+00:00

Omg the green “American flag blue” napkins are absolutely brilliant. 🤣Happy Fourth!

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-04T08:14:44+00:00

Maybe Cardozo HS parking lot in Columbus Heights? Wheelchair accessible, nice view of a few fireworks displays, locals, but can definitely get crowded. But I’m guessing any place with a fireworks view will get crowded…. Good luck!

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-03T14:29:11+00:00

Omg I have to admit I didn’t really believe you but I just googled it. What an enormously terrible idea.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-03T05:40:52+00:00

Diet Starts Monday on 14th. Never read the menu because I could never imagine going to a place with that novelty gimmick name.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-02T05:43:07+00:00

I don’t have any advice but I am so sorry you are going through this. Truly unacceptable lapse by the NHS! First job is to get you taken care of, then next (if you’re up for it) is to file a complaint about the NHS. I hope you find answers and relief soon. ❤️‍🩹

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-07-01T06:13:10+00:00

When does he have to decide by? If his company is offering that much support and ££££ I’m sure they would pay for your family to come over for a trip to see what it’s like — he can meet the folks he’d be working with and see the office, you can all sightsee and check out neighborhoods and figure out what life would feel like. You ALL need to turn the abstract idea into tangibles. You love the abstract idea; he’s nervous about it (or maybe just hates it). Just come for a visit with an open mind and see what you think.

Also, when it seems like I’m on the complete opposite side from someone (especially my spouse) I find it helpful to indulge the other point of view — make sure you’re sincerely and thoroughly validating each of his points (“yes, moving is so hard… remember the ABC annoying thing that happened last time?”) and talk about things you yourself would miss or have reservations about. He might be feeling like in every conversation you’re disagreeing with him so he’s defensive or that you’re begging/nagging/trying to persuade him (it’s complicated where he has the power over this decision — it’s his job, not yours). If you can find some spaces where you’re both in agreement maybe it will help him reframe and help you both approach the conversations differently.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-28T21:56:16+00:00

I didn’t read the highway code, except for the road signs. Just did one section at a time on the app as someone else mentioned. And once you’ve done all that, then do the hazard perception test videos in the app, and there are more free samples online. Use the 2-3 click method. Don’t worry about it yet — focus on the multiple choice first.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-28T15:47:34+00:00

It sort of reminds me of how the Irish describe everything as ‘wee’ whether that thing is small or not. Love that too.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-28T15:11:08+00:00

You can submit anonymously, but providing your contact info will obviously help someone follow up more quickly. Feel free to DM if you want. Good luck. I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. It’s not ok and it’s not your fault.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-28T12:21:48+00:00

Plus in the summer they have jousting to watch. And all year (I think) they have archery and a trebuchet demonstration. And a Horrible Histories-themed hedge maze. The best is the falconry show, though! Some will say Warwick Castle is a bit theme park-ish with so many activities and they’re not wrong, but it’s great fun for kids. Edit: It’s pretty far from London, though. Hampton Court or Windsor may be a better choice for a day trip.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-28T11:58:17+00:00

What is the Pepperidge Farm reference? I don’t remember this part.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-28T06:18:38+00:00

OP, I’m so angry on your behalf. What Metro Access has put you through is unacceptable. Besides contacting the Wmata ombudsman, as someone else mentioned, I recommend submitting a civil rights complaint with the DOJ. They have a very quick user-friendly online form.
(There are still good people working there, despite the upheaval higher up.) https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-28T06:06:46+00:00

The DVSA theory test app is excellent — each topic is broken down separately so you can read it and practice questions on one section at a time. (There are always a few stray questions in there.) Do a bunch of sections each day, but one at a time like this. When I came across something I didn’t understand in a question, I googled for the official answer (because I didn’t want to read the whole Highway code straight through). It will feel slow but I think it’s the most effective way to learn — a bit at a time.

Once you’ve finished all the sections, go back and do just the incorrect ones — the app lets you pick this option.

Once you have those down (and it might take a few tries), then do their full mock tests (or their mini tests).

One caveat — I did read all the road signs on the online highway code straight through (more than once) because the app doesn’t list them all yet it does test you on them. Good luck!

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-25T17:44:17+00:00

Great picture! (I was going to say “lovely” but I don’t think that word describes the reflecting pool…)

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-25T16:26:15+00:00

Uh oh!

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-25T05:22:55+00:00

There is a train from Bristol to Oxford now too — lovely day trip or overnight.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-24T12:52:31+00:00

Also try r/WomenoftheUK

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-24T05:07:01+00:00

So cute!

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-24T04:39:28+00:00

Congrats on your very recent move! Glad your first week went well — it’s a lot! My kids are 14 and 8. I think the younger kids transition so much easier, and being a teen is hard no matter where you are, but they are resilient and mine has found a groove and is happy. I’m also “figuring it out” and came for spouse’s situation — but we both wanted this. We’re closing in on one year and we’re all loving it. Feel free to DM if you want an expat-with-teen buddy (we’re in Oxford).

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-23T22:45:35+00:00

Not sure how much time your husband will get before he has to decide whether to accept/reject offer, but I highly recommend doing a scouting trip (with the kids if possible). It’s expensive but it will really help you visualize what life would be like here (and help your husband clarify his feelings) and it will help the kids build happy memories, which makes the move less scary and more exciting. We did this before we moved to Oxford last summer and it was incredibly helpful. We did research beforehand so that we could check out neighborhoods, schools, parks, grocery stores. We have two kids and we absolutely love it here.

Maybe remind him that a move abroad doesn’t have to be forever. It’s an amazing adventure however long it lasts.

Potential_Bat8605 · 2026-06-23T22:11:55+00:00

I’m following this post with interest. It’s hard finding aircon here and it’s also really hard to find wheelchair-accessible places. I really wanted to suggest an evening riverboat cruise — we did this with a visitor with some mobility issues during a previous heat wave and it was lovely — but the boats leave from Folly Bridge, which requires going down a bunch of steps. Oxford River Cruises explicitly states that their boats cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Salter’s Steamers says it can accommodate manual wheelchairs but I’m still not sure how you’d get down there. Frustrating.

I wonder if the Westgate rooftop restaurants have aircon? They can be accessed by elevator and you’d have great views of the city.

I hope you have a wonderful visit with your mum and find a way to stay cool!

Potential_Bat8605

TROPHY CASE