Lambeth and the abolition
The abolition of the slave trade has a significant local historical meaning for Lambeth, as it was the ‘Clapham Sect' led by William Wilberforce who was largely responsible for the abolition legislation going through Parliament. There are a large number of people in Lambeth who have been affected by slavery and it was seen as necessary to commemorate the abolition in an appropriate manner.
The Lambeth and the Abolition programme was launched on March 29 2007, the exact day that the act abolishing the trade had become law 200 years before. The programme gave individuals the opportunity to remember the slave trade, use lessons learnt in the present and leave a lasting legacy for the future. Lambeth was absolutely committed to creating the opportunities to understand the historical significance of these events and the anniversary raised awareness of the problems that still exist in terms of modern day slavery.
The parishes of Holy Trinity and St Paul's Clapham in the borough of Lambeth are one very small part of South London, yet within their boundaries lie connections to almost every aspect of the transatlantic slave trade – from slave uprisings and the beginnings of the ‘Back to Africa' movement to the roots of the antislavery movement, as well as the legacy of those who grew rich on the trade in human lives. This walk, commissioned by Lambeth Council as part of its commemoration of the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade in 2007, takes you on a tour around Clapham and uncovers some of the area's powerful historical links with both the slave trade and the battle to abolish it.
Lambeth 1807 – a local history of the abolition
In conjunction with Lambeth Archives, local historian and writer, Steve Martin, has written a history of the slave trade and the abolition movement in Lambeth. The history looks at the area's strong links with both slavery and those opposed to it, and the interesting connections with West Africa and the Caribbean.
For a free copy of Lambeth 1807 please contact Lambeth Archives.
Africa – the story of a runaway slave boy
Africa – The Story Of A Runaway Slave Boy is an award-winning film produced by Lambeth Archives. Examples of 17th Century newspaper advertisements for slaves provided the concept of a story about a slave boy running away. As well as the film marking the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery, it's an easier way of helping children to understand the commemoration.
Copies of the Africa – The Story Of A Runaway Slave Boy DVD with accompanying teachers notes will be available to buy from Summer 2008.