These web pages have been developed as part of English Heritage's commitment to commemorating the 200th anniversary of the British Abolition of the Slave Trade Act 1807.
As well as activities, further information is given to support teaching and learning in this sensitive and challenging subject. The activities are aimed at Key Stage 3 (and the top end of Key Stage 2).
If you have any feedback on these pages please contact the Education Department.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
At its height in the 1790s, the impact of the transatlantic slave trade was felt across Britain, beyond the slaving ports of Liverpool, Bristol and London. There were people who benefited from the trade and others who lobbied for its abolition. Economics and making money were at its core, and much of the wealth generated was invested back into British public buildings, country estates and stately homes.
Themes and Activites
The High Street
The influence of the slave trade can still be seen in every high street
- Look at the origin of foods, shops on the high street and legacies today Shops
- Look at different faiths and links between religion and slavery Religion
Buildings
Money was invested in Georgian style architecture
- Look for Georgian architectural features in your local area Georgian Housing
- Look at banking and slavery and discuss the question of reparations Banks
Landscape
The transatlantic slave trade changed English rural and industrial landscapes
The past and present
There are 'hidden histories' and present day legacies
Supporting Information
Background information - Find out more about the history of the transatlantic slave trade and further information relating to each of the activities
Challenges, sensitivities and language - Understand more about the challenges of this history, increase confidence in teaching it and awareness of appropriate language to use
Differentiation and curriculum links - Look at how the activities work for different ages and abilities, links to curriculum areas and how to build the activity ideas into your lesson plans
With thanks to Oku Ekpenyon, Rahimot Gbadamosi, Dan Lyndon, Angelina Osborne and Dean Smart for their comments and suggestions in developing these web pages.
