With the 200th anniversary of the act in parliament to abolish slavery inEngland, BISC benefited from Elvyn's extensive knowledge for a guided touraround the city. From the Cathedral to St. Mary Redcliffe, the waterfrontand docks area, the Old Vic theatre to the Colston Hall, Elvyn skilfullyguided us with all the relevant facts and figures, names and dates.The tourrevealed some of Bristol's shameful past, built on money from the slavetrade. It also revealed those people who were keen to challenge the tradeand eventually help to bring about abolition.
One cannot underestimate the massive profits which were made from the tradewhich grew up from the times of American colonisation. Much of the wealth ofthe city and the grand buildings are a result of the money from the trade.From the grand warehouses along the docks, housing sugar and tobacco to thewealthy town houses of rich slave-owners in Clifton and other parts of the city.
Our tour took in the Georgian House, where Pinney, a slave owner withplantations in the West Indies had lived. We heard about Hannah Moore, awealthy heiress and highly intelligent and articulate head mistress, who hadset up a school where "Fopp" now stands. She was also a persuasive andpersistent abolitionist. Stopping by the Cathedral we were reminded of howmany of the apparent great and good of the city, with plaques in theirhonour, were also involved in this terrible trade.
We learnt how slaves were carried across the seas in appalling conditions.The journeys lasted 40-50 days and many did not survive along the way. Menand women were split up. Those who spoke the same language were split up.Sickness and disease were rife. And various methods of torture were used forthose who attempted not to conform.
It is important to remember that even to this day slavery continues in adifferent form and in different countries throughout the world. Whilst weare grateful for those who fought to ensure slavery in this form becameillegal 200 years ago, there is still a lot more to be done. Buying FairTrade products is a step in the right direction to ensure that workers todayreceive a fair price for their labour.
Click here for a few photos. Don't miss Elvyn's next walk on 18th June.
