Yorkshire Links to 19th-Century Congo Mission Revealed
October 13, 2025A fascinating story of missionary work, colonial history and local connections
A recent blog post by Bradford Museums explores the remarkable connections between Yorkshire and a 19th-century Congo mission, centred around the figures of Reverend John Gershom Greenhough, missionary George Grenfell, and a young African boy named John Greenhough, also known as Ti. The story, which touches on themes of colonialism, missionary work, and Black History Month, was brought to light through the discovery of Victorian photographs and family notes inherited by a local resident, Sally.
Background: Missionaries and Imperialism in Africa
The narrative is set during the era of “New Imperialism” when European powers competed for control of Africa. England had abolished slavery in 1833, but the legacy of colonialism and the role of missionaries remain complex. Missionaries like George Grenfell worked to map unexplored regions, establish schools, and teach trades, often supported by religious benefactors in England. However, their efforts were intertwined with the imperialist mindset of the time.
Grenfell’s work took place largely in the Congo, then controlled by King Leopold II of Belgium, whose regime became infamous for exploiting the local population and resources through forced labour and violence.
Key Figures and Their Stories
- Rosana “Rose” Grenfell: Of Jamaican descent, Rose was housekeeper to George Grenfell and later became his wife. Her family’s missionary roots trace back to freed Jamaicans who settled in West Africa to aid displaced people after the abolition of slavery.
- John Greenhough/Ti: A young African boy closely associated with the Grenfells, Ti was renamed John Greenhough by George Grenfell after his own Yorkshire lecturer and sponsor, Reverend John Gershom Greenhough. Ti was educated and trained in various trades at the mission, eventually gaining employment with a Dutch trading company.
- Rev. John Gershom Greenhough: A Yorkshire-born Baptist minister and lecturer, Greenhough was known for his political activism and influence. He sponsored Ti’s education and was a prominent figure in the Baptist community.
- Robert Arthington: A wealthy philanthropist from Leeds, Arthington funded the Congo Mission, including the construction of the specially designed steamer The Peace, which was used for exploration and missionary work along the Congo River.
The Congo Mission and The Peace
The Peace was a modular steamer built in England and transported in pieces to West Africa, where it was reassembled by trained African workers. The mission promoted the employment and training of local Africans rather than relying solely on British workers. Life aboard The Peace was hazardous, with dangers from wildlife and hostile tribes, but the presence of Rose Grenfell and her children often helped pacify tensions.
Later Developments and a Financial Dispute
John Greenhough/Ti’s skills and reputation grew, and he earned a good income working for a Dutch trading company while continuing to support the mission. However, a later attempt by Ti to sponsor the education of three African boys led to a financial dispute with an educational institution in Leicester. With the help of Rev. Greenhough, Ti successfully recovered the funds after some legal threats.
Research and Resources
This story has been pieced together through extensive research using archives and collections in Bradford, Leeds, and Oxford, highlighting the importance of preserving historical records. The blog post includes numerous references for further reading, including works on George Grenfell, Baptist history, and the Congo mission.
For readers interested in learning more about these Yorkshire connections to African missionary history and the complex legacy of imperialism, the full article is available on the Bradford Museums website.
