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

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
Sir Henry De la Beche

Sir Henry De la Beche

Born Welbeck Street. An unusual childhood: his father changed their name from Beach to create a fictional connection with the medieval Barons De la Beche of Aldworth. Inheriting a slave plantation ...

Person, Race Issues, Science

1 memorial
Dame Heather Rabbatts

Dame Heather Rabbatts

Lawyer, business woman and broadcaster. Born Jamaica, came to England aged 3. Chief Executive of London Boroughs of Merton and Lambeth, she has been a campaigner against corruption and for human ri...

Person, Politics & Administration, Race Issues, Jamaica

1 memorial
Cardinal Newman

Cardinal Newman

Born 80 Old Broad Street, eldest son of a banker. Goaded into writing his Apologia by a criticism from Charles Kingsley published in a magazine.  Established The Brompton Oratory. Died Edgbaston, B...

Person, Race Issues, Religion

3 memorials
Cy Grant

Cy Grant

Actor, musician, writer and poet. Born Cyril Ewart Lionel Grant in Beterverwagting, British Guiana (modern day Guyana). He served in the Royal Air Force during WW2, and in Britain, he qualified as ...

Person, Armed Forces, Law, Music / songs, Race Issues, TV & Radio, South America

1 memorial