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

Darcus Howe

Darcus Howe

Broadcaster, writer and civil liberties campaigner. Born as Leighton Rhett Radford Howe in Moruga, Trinidad. He moved to England at the age of 18 and initially studied law before moving to journali...

Person, Journalism / Publishing, Race Issues, TV & Radio, Caribbean Islands

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
Jan Christian Smuts

Jan Christian Smuts

South African Prime Minister (1919-1924 and 1939-1948).   Initially a vocal supportor of racial segregation, towards the end of his rule he was beginning to argue in favour of some integration.  In...

Person, Politics & Administration, Race Issues, South Africa

1 memorial
Tobias Rustat

Tobias Rustat

Courtier to King Charles II and a benefactor of the University of Cambridge. He was an investor in, and Assistant (what we'd call Director) of, the Royal African Company, an English mercantile comp...

Person, Benefactor, Race Issues

2 memorials
Mydiddee

Mydiddee

He was the servant of a Tahitian chief, and it is believed that he was brought to England by Captain Bligh (6 years after the ill-fated Bounty assignment) to act as a cultural ambassador. Already i...

Person, Race Issues, Tragedy, Tahiti

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Charles de Gaulle and the Free French

Charles de Gaulle and the Free French

SW1, Carlton Gardens, 4

See Musee de la Resistance for more information on this memorial (in French).

3 subjects commemorated, 1 creator
George Bridges Rodney

George Bridges Rodney

Born London. Naval officer involved in the American revolution. Died in Hanover Square.

Person, Armed Forces

2 memorials
Morris Singer Foundry

Morris Singer Foundry

Founded by John Webb Singer as the Frome Art Metal Works. Cast many of the best known sculptures in London, including the statue of Justice on the Central Criminal Court, 1906. Merged with the Morr...

Place, Commerce, Craft / Design

22 memorials
Sir Richard Westmacott

Sir Richard Westmacott

Sculptor. Born Grosvenor Square. One of the Commissioners for the Great Exhibition. His son, with the same name was also a successful sculptor.  Died at home at 14 South Audley Street.

Person, Sculpture

10 memorials
Moncure Daniel Conway

Moncure Daniel Conway

Born Stafford County, Virginia, USA. Social reformer and ethical preacher. He abandoned his Methodist ministry because of what he saw as its repression of free thought and became a Unitarian. He ca...

Person, Gender Issues, Politics & Administration, Race Issues, Social Welfare, France, USA

3 memorials