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

Other Subjects

Doctor Harold Moody

Doctor Harold Moody

Physician. Born Harold Arundel Moody at 8 Rum Lane, Kingston, Jamaica. Although well qualified, he was refused a post at King's College Hospital because of his colour, but became a medical superint...

Person, Medicine, Race Issues, Jamaica

2 memorials
Thomas Guy

Thomas Guy

Founder of Guy's Hospital. Born 7 Pritchard's Alley, Fair Street, Horsleydown. This is now the section of Tower Bridge Road between London City Mission and Tower Bridge Primary School.  A bookselle...

Person, Benefactor, Medicine, Politics & Administration, Race Issues

7 memorials
Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano

Born in an African village, he was sold into slavery, first locally, then in England, then in America where he managed to buy his freedom. He returned to England and wrote the first autobiography o...

Person, Literature, Race Issues, Africa

6 memorials
Newman Hall

Newman Hall

Non-conformist minister and hymn writer. Born Maidstone, Kent as Christopher Newman Hall. 1854 became minister of Surrey Chapel. Promoted the abolition of slavery and in 1867 visited North America,...

Person, Music / songs, Race Issues, Religion

2 memorials
Grunwick workers strike

Grunwick workers strike

Grunwick was a photographic film processing firm. 90% of its employees were either of Asian or Afro-Caribbean origin and working conditions were oppressive. Following the sacking of an employee for...

Event, Industry, Politics & Administration, Race Issues

3 memorials

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Sutton Adult School

Sutton Adult School

Founded by Thomas Wall. It is now called the Thomas Wall Centre.

Place, Education

1 memorial
Royal Institute of British Architects

Royal Institute of British Architects

From the RIBA website: "RIBA Awards are given for buildings that have high architectural standards and make a substantial contribution to the local environment. The awards are annual, and have been...

Group, Architecture

2 memorials
Manor of Rotherhithe

Manor of Rotherhithe

First recorded in Norman times as part of the royal demesne. It had a long succession of owners and tenants who held rights over the area.

Place, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
Camp Griffiss, Block B, SE corner

Camp Griffiss, Block B, SE corner

TW11, Bushy Park

There were 16 of these open-book style ground plaques, marking the corners of blocks A - D, the 4 main large blocks of buildings in WW2 C...

3 subjects commemorated