Commemorative Tree Planting
News
Legacy of the Emperor of Ethiopia honoured at Newton Park
Friday, 18 October, 2024Bath Spa University held a commemorative ceremony at Newton Park this week, marking 70 years since His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, visited our campus.
Attended by the Emperor’s great-granddaughter, Her Imperial Highness Princess Esther Selassie Antohin, a specially selected tree was planted on the University’s picturesque Lakeside Walk.
Also joining the ceremony were representatives from BSU’s longstanding cultural partners, Fairfield House, who celebrate and protect the legacy of the Emperor and his beloved former home in Bath, as well as University students and staff.
Coinciding with Black History Month, the ceremony honoured the Emperor. Remembered as one of the most influential statesmen in history, he was described as "conscience of the world" and "the world's greatest prophet" during World War II, and later as "Father of Africa".
The Emperor lived in exile in Fairfield House, Bath, from 1936 to 1941 when his country was occupied by Italy. Hailed worldwide as a hero against fascist forces, he continued to campaign against Italian dictator Mussolini from his West Country home.
It is his returning visit to Bath in 1954 that we remember this week, during which he walked our beautiful grounds at Newton Park.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Esther Selassie Antohin reflected on the commemorative ceremony:
“To be part of this tree planting at Bath Spa University for 70th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie’s state visit to Bath, is truly very meaningful to me. It amounts to literally tracing the footsteps of my great grandfather, Emperor Haile Selassie and his beloved son Prince Mekonnen.
70 years later, we remember his state visit which was a grand moment of celebration with the city of Bath who during the years of exile stood by him, supported him and embraced him as a member of this community. It is well known that in a real gesture of his appreciation, the Emperor donated his house to the city of Bath.
To be an inheritor of such inspirational story is truly humbling. I am so uplifted to be united with friends and supporters at Bath Spa University and Fairfield House to remember and give thanks to this blessing, which has long lived and I do hope will do so in the recollections and celebrations of future generations.
I give thanks and pledge my deep friendship to the city of Bath, Fairfield house and Bath Spa University.”
The Taxodium Distichum tree is now taking root at Newton Park and will be cared for by our dedicated Grounds Team. It was chosen as a species that will thrive on our campus.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Karen Teague, Organisation Partnerships and Alumni Manager, said:
“It’s an honour to host Princess Esther Selassie Antohin and our partner, Fairfield House, to celebrate this very special 70th anniversary of the return visit to Bath of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia.
We wish to remember his ongoing legacy in the city, particularly through the work of Fairfield House and its community, and especially as we mark Black History Month.”
Bath Spa University is also partnering with Fairfield House to run a short course on an Introduction to Amharic and the Ethiopian Alphabet, allowing course members to learn a new language.