The Lion of Judah flag is raised at Dunham Massey every year to honour Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, who stayed at the Cheshire estate during his period of exile.
Selassie was forced into exile in May 1936, following the Italian occupation of East Africa. He went on to form a lifelong friendship with Roger Grey, the 10th Earl of Stamford, who began the tradition of flying the flag at Dunham Massey on Selassie’s birthday in 1938.
Today, the flag is viewed as a symbol of connection, care and friendship. This year, it was raised by Rastafarian and Chairman of the Ancient and Modern Christ in Britain Society, Iman Gebre Iyesus. Young people from local schools were invited to find out more about the flag’s meaning, the connection between Haile Selassie and Dunham Massey, and Rastafari culture.
In this video, Iman reflects on raising the flag and the friendship between Selassie and Grey. He also visits places and spaces that hold special significance for Rastafari in Britain as he journeys to Dunham Massey.
With thanks to Malvern Hills Trust, Birmingham City Council, Malvern Civic Society, Create not destroy, Friends of Handsworth Park, Black Heritage Walks Network, the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy and the Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern.
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