Event    From 25/3/1807  To 1/8/1834

Abolition of slavery

The British abolition of slavery came in two parts: first the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act became law on 25 March 1807, which left slavery itself still permitted until the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 which caused all slaves in the British Empire to be emancipated on 1 August 1834. The slaves in India and Ceylon were not freed until Britain took over from the East India Company in 1843.

Compensation was paid, but to the owners, not the slaves. Meticulous records were kept and have been analysed at Legacies of British Slave-ownership.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Abolition of slavery

Commemorated ati

Aboliton of slavery - SE1

{The statue stands at one end of a long composite stone slab inlaid with a de...

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Bronze Woman

This was the first statue of a black woman to be on permanent display anywher...

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Buxton Memorial Fountain

Due to strong shadows it was only on our fourth visit that we managed to take...

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Gilt of Cain - Slave trade

This sculpture, 'Gilt of Cain', was unveiled by Bishop Tutu in commemoration ...

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Holy Trinity Clapham - Clapham Sect

The damage on this plaque is the result of WW2 bombs.

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Show all 11

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Darcus Howe

Darcus Howe

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2 memorials
Mrs Catherine Smithies

Mrs Catherine Smithies

Born as Catherine Bywater. Founded the Band of Mercy movement in Britain. She also campaigned against slavery but we can find no details. Her home, Earlham Grove House, built c.1865, has also been...

Person, Animals, Philanthropy, Race Issues, Social Welfare

1 memorial
Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley

American writer who was the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Her name can also be given as Phillis Wheatley Peters or Phyllis or Wheatly. Born in West Africa, she was s...

Person, Gender Issues, Poetry, Race Issues, Africa, USA

1 memorial
Admiral Arthur Phillip

Admiral Arthur Phillip

Founder and first governor of Australia. Born in the ward of Bread Street. Entered the Royal Navy 1753. In 1787 he led a fleet of 11 ships, with a complement of four companies of marines as well a...

Person, Armed Forces, Exploring, Race Issues, Australia

1 memorial