The Transatlantic Slave Trade and Abolition
March 2007 was the 200th anniversary of the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which made slave trading in British ships illegal.
Up to that point, British enslavers had transported more African people across the Atlantic than any other nation. Abolitionists in Britain, both Black and White, had fought a unique public campaign to end the trade.
The abolition of the trade did not bring about the immediate emancipation of enslaved people in British colonies. In some Caribbean territories, this occurred in 1833 (followed by a period of 'Apprenticeship'), although emancipation came later in other areas of the empire.
Introduction
The transatlantic slave trade was one of the largest forced migrations of human beings across the globe and had a major effect on the history of Africa, the Americas and Europe. This history's legacy still impacts countries around the Atlantic today, but this has often gone unacknowledged. 2007 offered an opportunity to share our understandings of this legacy.
For the first time, we have researched connections between the transatlantic slave trade and properties in English Heritage's care. You can read the reports in this section.
In a further action to reveal the fuller story of England's history, we have also reviewed formal descriptions of listed buildings to acknowledge historic links to the transatlantic slave trade and the abolitionist movement.
As a contribution to the bicentenary commemorations, we published here the 'Sites of Memory' guide to a selection of the many historic buildings and sites with a link to the history of the transatlantic slave trade, of Black people brought to England through this trade, and of the abolition struggle.
Other activities which you can discover more about here include:
- Community projects telling the often-hidden histories of the contribution to England's heritage by minority groups
- Educational materials
- Information about the links between Lord Mansfield, Dido Belle, and Kenwood House
In this section
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Sites of Memory: Black British History in the 18th and 19th Centuries
When the stories behind our local streets and landmarks are told they can give us a glimpse into the history on our doorstep.
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Timeline of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Abolition
Timeline of key events in the history of the trade in enslaved Africans.
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Researching Transatlantic Slave Trade Connections
Research commissioned by Historic England has revealed the slavery connection of four of English Heritage's sites.
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Read the Signs: Street Names in Liverpool Connected to the Trade in Enslaved Africans
Liverpool street names have become a contentious issue as many commemorate individuals who prospered from the transatlantic slave trade.
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The Wall of Words
A wall of words by Beyonder, Multimedia Artist & Educator responding to visitor comments at the 'Slavery and Justice' exhibition at Kenwood House.
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Reading List: The Slave Trade and Abolition
Where to find further information about the history of the Slave Trade and Abolition.
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Slavery and the Built Environment
An audit of previous research into the impact of the transatlantic slave economy reflected in England's historic buildings and landscapes.
Also of interest
