02/10/2026
The Rev Edward Cragg Haynes became Yorkshire’s first Black vicar. His legacy can still be seen in the church and schools of Swinefleet Parish in the East Riding where he served.
Born in Barbados to wealthy parents, at 18 he was sent to England to be educated. He studied at King’s College London and the Inns of Court before starting at Trinity College Cambridge in 1844. In 1848 he became the first black student to graduate from Cambridge.
Following his graduation he was ordained a Priest by Samuel Wilberforce, the son of anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce. He moved to the parish of Swinefleet in 1851, becoming a curate at St Margaret’s church. In 1872 he became the vicar of the parish, a role he retained until his death in 1883.
During his time in Swinefleet, he worked to improve the education of the children in the village and surrounding areas and restore the church which was in a state of disrepair. He established Swinefleet Grammar School and Empson Villa school, where many of the wealthy landowners sent their sons to be educated.
Following his appointment as vicar in 1872 Edward turned his attention to the restoration of St Margaret’s and the construction of a new vicarage. Although the refurbishment was not complete at the time of his death, villagers recognised the impact of his efforts in his obituary saying; “the result of his efforts have been improvements of no slight character, the whole of which will be very shortly finished.”
He is buried in the churchyard at St. Margaret’s, Swinefleet alongside his wife and son, who predeceased him.
Now a part of the Marshlands Benefice, Sheffield, Carolyne Storey, Focal Minister of the Benefice, at a celebration of his legacy in 2025 said: "I felt this man was inspirational, strong in faith, putting others first, especially with the education of young people.
"It is fitting that we celebrate the achievements of Rev Cragg Haynes, especially in the times we are in."