Text by Dr Paul Green
As a young fugitive, Carlos hid among a circus and learned to walk up the tent ropes.
At 12 years old, Carlos performed for his first African-American audience at an event in Brooklyn, New York, campaigning for the emancipation of all enslaved peoples.
After a performance in England, Carlos married an English woman Myra Clay and made a home in the smoke and industry of the Potteries. Carlos continued to perform on the high-rope and nearly died when the rope snapped beneath him in the Beverly Cattle Market near Hull. He also performed with a Victorian Panorama show at Bristol’s Colston Hall for over 3,000 people, but at the age of 39.
Carlos died in Bow Asylum reported as a neurological degenerative disorder.
Further information
See our previous Circus 250 project delivered in partnership with Circomedia that includes artwork created by St Barnabas CEVC Primary School inspired by the life of Carlos Trower an example of which is featured at the top of this page.
Blog by Dr Paul Green for Bristol Beacon.
Radio Bristol interview with UWE students and members of the project team.
UWE Masters Architecture students Live Project summary 2021.