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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Other Subjects

Joaquim Nabuco

Joaquim Nabuco

Writer and statesman. Born Joaquim Aurélio Barreto Nabuco de Araújo in Recife, Brazil. In 1878 he began to fight against slavery through his political activity and writings. It was eventually aboli...

Person, Literature, Politics & Administration, Race Issues, Brazil, USA

1 memorial
Sybil Phoenix OBE

Sybil Phoenix OBE

Born Sybil Theodora Phoenix Marshall in British Guiana (now Guyana). Community worker, the first black woman to be awarded the MBE, in 1973. Was Mayor of Lewisham. See EachOneTeachOne for more info.

Person, Community / Clubs, Race Issues

1 memorial
John Passmore Edwards

John Passmore Edwards

Political and social reformer, politician, peace activist, and anti-slavery campaigner he became one of the most successful newspaper proprietors of his time. Born in a small Cornish village and ed...

Person, Journalism / Publishing, Peace, Philanthropy, Politics & Administration, Race Issues, Social Welfare

13 memorials
Jak Beula Dodd

Jak Beula Dodd

Born St Mary's Hospital Paddington, to parents who were both from Jamaica, John Bubeula Dodd is commonly known as Jak Beula. He is a British entrepreneur and cultural activist of Caribbean heritage...

Person, Community / Clubs, Race Issues, Sculpture

2 memorials
Olive Schreiner

Olive Schreiner

Author, campaigner against war, against racism and for womans' vote.  Best remembered for her 1883 novel, 'The Story of an African Farm'.  Born in South Africa.  Named Olive Emilie Albertina Schrei...

Person, Gender Issues, Literature, Peace, Race Issues, South Africa

1 memorial

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Lydia Becker

Lydia Becker

President of NUWSS prior to Millicent Fawcett and campaigned for voting rights of unmarried women and widows. Also an amateur scientist with interests in biology and astronomy. Best remembered for ...

Person, Gender Issues, Journalism / Publishing, Science

1 memorial
Hackney parish watch house

Hackney parish watch house

A watch house was an early form of police station and prison. Criminals were held here temporarily.

Place, Law

1 memorial
James Mill

James Mill

Political philosopher. Born at Northwater Bridge, Logie Pert, Forfarshire, Scotland. He was a founder of classical economics with David Ricardo. His 'History of British India' contains a complete d...

Person, Philosophy, Scotland

1 memorial
Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock

Film director. Born at 517 Leytonstone High Road above his father William’s greengrocery and poultry shop. See Spitalfields Life for an unusual take on his life in Leytonstone. When Alfie was about...

Person, Cinema, Seriously Famous

23 memorials