Sir Francis Drake primary school accused of 'cultural vandalism' after name ... trends now

Historians have led a chorus of criticism of the decision of a London school to change its name due to the slave trading past of namesake Sir Francis Drake.

Sir Francis is renowned for circumnavigating the world in a single expedition on his ship the Golden Hind from 1577 to 1580 and helping to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588. 

He was also one of the first known British slave traders, capturing men and women from West Africa as early as 1560 and targeting slave ships from Portugal to steal humans on board.

Last September, Sir Francis Drake Primary School, in Lewisham, launched a consultation to determine whether the name should be changed in light of Drake's role in the slave trade. 

Of the 450 parents, staff, pupils and local residents who voted, 88 per cent called for a name change.

The school will now become Twin Oaks Primary School - a name originally suggested by pupils referencing two oak trees at the entrance to the grounds. 

But today historians and MP slammed the decision, with Tory Alexander Stafford branding it 'cultural vandalism' and Professor Tombs saying to MailOnline that the school has opted for something 'bland and meaningless' rather than using Drake's name to teach pupils valuable lessons about the past. 

Mr Stafford said in a tweet: 'Absolute madness. Drake literally saved England from invasion by the Spanish Armada. 

'He is one of England's finest heroes and one of the reasons we remain speaking English rather than Spanish. When will this cultural vandalism end?'

Professor Tombs told MailOnline: 'Drake is not honoured as a slave trader—his involvement has long been common knowledge. 

'Naming a school after him does not mean being in favour of slavery - that would be absurd. Drake is remembered for helping to save England from a terrible invasion. 

'The school, rather using his name to teach its pupils valuable lessons about the past, has opted for a bland and meaningless alternative that cuts it off from history.'

Dr Zareer Masani, an expert on the British Empire, questioned whether any experts were consulted.

He told MailOnline: 'I very much doubt that the parents, pupils or staff at this school heard any serious arguments for and against this change from historians who might have put Drake's career in historical context, in an age when owning or trading slaves was considered normal.

'Drake's career as a leading Elizabethan included many achievements that the name of this school was intended to celebrate. 

'Sad that its pupils, and indeed its staff, will now have less incentive to learn about them.' 

Professor David Abulafia, who wrote about Drake's voyages in his 2020 book The Boundless Sea: A Human History of the Oceans, told MailOnline: 'I'd much prefer names like Drake to be preserved so we can discuss both his role in slavery and piracy and his role in preventing the invasion of England by the Spanish Armada. 

'Blotting out names is blotting out the past in all its shades.' 

David Frost, the Government's former chief Brexit negotiator, said the decision represented a sign of 'cultural decay'. 

He tweeted: 'This is a very bad sign of our cultural decay and of disrespect for our history.

'We should be more French about this: as President Macron said in 2020: 'this Republic will not erase any trace, or any name, from its history...it will not take down any statue.'

Students will be encouraged to enter a competition to design the new school logo, with future plans to redesign the school uniform and overhaul the front building with a new sign.

Headteacher Karen Cartwright said in a letter sent to parents that she was 'thrilled' with the outcome.

She added: 'The decision to consult on changing the school name was taken by the Governing Body, who felt that the slave trade links associated with the current name sat at odds with the values of our school.' 

The school hopes to keep any costs to parents at a minimum, noting the old school uniform could still be worn, along with non-branded jumpers.

A new school uniform with the Twin Oaks logo should be available by September, Ms

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