Every October in the UK, Black History Month rolls around. We're here to give Mary Seacole a well-deserved rest. Here are a few alternative, tongue-in-cheek BHM 'facts'.
Roysten Lloyd, aged 9: The last child to get ‘the belt’
Roysten’s crime was to steal a bag of Pick’n’Mix sweets from Woolworth’s, get caught, and then lie about it.
The sentencing court (parents Charrington and Leticia) agreed that 2 lashes to an open palm were the right and proper punishment. Roysten was sent to select the leather belt from father Charrington’s collection. He reportedly hid in the cellar for two hours instead, and was rewarded with a third lash for his troubles.
Now 33, Roysten, the youngest of five children, says: ‘It didn’t do me any long-term harm. In fact, it got me much-needed bragging rights. I can stand proudly in front of my siblings and say: “I wasn’t beaten much… but at least I was beaten.” That’s the important thing.’
