Princess Esther's visit
News
Haile Selassie’s great-granddaughter retraces Emperor’s footsteps during visit to Bath Spa University
Wednesday, 12 April, 2023In recognition of their long-standing partnership, Bath Spa University recently welcomed to its Newton Park Campus Her Imperial Highness Princess Esther Selassie Antohin, Director of the Board of Bath’s Fairfield House CIC and great-granddaughter of the former Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I, who lived in exile in Fairfield House, Bath from 1936 to 1941 when his country was occupied by Fascist Italy.
On Wednesday 5 April 2023, Princess Esther retraced the Emperor’s footsteps as she walked through the picturesque campus, including its historic Italian Gardens, just as her great-grandfather had done during his visit in 1954. Following his return to Ethiopia, Haile Selassie donated the House to the City of Bath in 1958, with the intention that it was to be a residence for the elderly. During his 1954 visit he was given the Freedom of the City; an honour presented by a municipality to a valued member of the community, dignitary, or celebrity.
Today, Fairfield House remains a significant piece of Bath’s history. As an important cultural partner to the University, it brings together students, staff and the community to offer a wide range of mutual opportunities.
In keeping with the Emperor’s wishes, the building is of significant importance to Ethiopians and Rastafari, and is home to several charitable organisations including the Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association (BEMSCA).
Speaking on the importance of her visit, Princess Esther said:
“This is a special day. The event here in 1954 was a momentous occasion for the Emperor in a visit to a city close to his heart. When he gifted the house, in the manner he wanted it to be used for, it was a statement of his gratitude to the people of Bath who kept his spirits up during very difficult times. For me it is very special to be here years later, to be paying my own tribute to that relationship.”
Princess Esther currently resides in Maine, USA and pays regular visits to Bath’s Fairfield House as part of her duties as Chair of the organisation. She is also Founder and Executive Director of Heritage Watch Ethiopia, a charity and resource centre sponsored by Bath Spa University that helps Ethiopians, and young people in particular, to recognise the value of protecting and promoting heritage. Her goal is to be part of work that strengthens and promotes Ethiopian cultural heritage in Ethiopia, in the continent of Africa, as well as globally.
During her visit to Newton Park Campus, Princess Esther met with Bath Spa University representatives Professor John Strachan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Professor Ian Gadd, Academic Director of the Global Academy of Liberal Arts (GALA), and Rebecca di Corpo, External Affairs.
Professor John Strachan added:
“It was an honour to welcome Princess Esther to Bath Spa University for her first visit, and to show her the grounds that her great-grandfather explored during his time here. We look forward to continuing to build upon Bath Spa’s strong partnership with both Fairfield House and Heritage Watch Ethiopia for many more years to come.”
To find out more about the local community partnership, you can visit the Fairfield House section of the Bath Spa University website.