The impact of the transatlantic slave trade on the built environment

Teaching and learning about the slave trade

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 activites are aimed at Key Stage 3 (and the top end of Key Stage 2).

If you have any feedback on these pages please email: education@english-heritage.org.uk

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 activities

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
Look at the manufacture and processing of trade goods Industrial England
Look at the links between country houses and the slave trade Country Estates

The past and present: There are 'hidden histories' and present day legacies
Look at ways of commemorating the 'invisible' Invisible presence: memorials
Look at representations of African people in historical source material Visible presence: people

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