Slavery was illegal in Britain, but the transatlantic slave trade left a physical mark on the UK. There are monuments to philanthropists who made their wealth through slavery, there were houses built from the profits made in slavery, and enslaved labour was used to produce items such as sugar and cotton. Many city landscapes bear the names of those involved or profited. This book will give an overview on slavery and will tell the story of the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade on Britain. The book will challenge misconceptions of the built British landscape and show how profits from slavery went into the construction of many iconic buildings. It also explores how freed enslaved Africans left their mark on Britain and how those who opposed slavery, and those in favour of maintaining slavery, are represented in statues throughout the country.
The Legacy of Slavery in Britain