Escape clause: Tracey Martin on Mary Ann Macham

‘The story of Mary Ann’s escape is amazing.’

by Tracey Martin 24th April 2026

In November last year, a statue of Mary Ann Macham was unveiled overlooking the River Tyne. Mary Ann escaped slavery in the US, before living for over sixty years in North Shields. Her story was recorded by the Spence family, well-known local Quakers, who heard it from Mary Ann herself. A letter written on her behalf to her mother has also recently been found.