Saturday Talk: Slavery and the Square Mile - A Hidden Story

Discover the Square Mile's links to the transatlantic slave trade, abolition and Black history - the streets, the buildings and the people. ‘It is not lawful to put it into the Treasury, because it is the price of blood’. These are the words of abolitionist John Newton as he preached from St Mary Woolnoth in the City of London in 1788. But the abolitionist’s tale is only one side of the coin in the Square Mile’s involvement in the horrors of the slave trade, a fundamental part of Black History. During this talk, you'll discover sites and institutions with direct links to this history which saw millions of people kidnapped and transported to work as enslaved people in conditions that would shorten their lives but make the lives of wealthy merchants even more lavish. You’ll hear about the people who fought for abolition, including those, black and white, whose names are less-well known; hear about how mass-printing contributed hugely to bringing about change in public opinion and how it allowed the voices of those who had seen and experienced the cruelty of the trade to be heard. You’ll find out how some of the most powerful and influential institutions in the Square Mile have already issued apologies for their role in “an appalling and shameful period of English history” and how they now wish to bring about changes. There is much real history to be revealed as we hear about these connections to the story-packed streets and alleyways of London's Square Mile. About the speaker: • Sarah Brierley is a member of the City of London Guide Lecturers Association and leads walking tours for 'Six in the City'. What to expect: • The talk will last approximately 50-60 minutes followed by Q&A. IMPORTANT: This talk will be taking place in-person only at The London Archives. About The London Archives: The London Archives is a free public archive focusing on the history of London, from 1067 to the present day. We preserve and share millions of historical manuscripts, maps, photographs, books which tell the story of the city. Everyone is welcome. You can find us in central London in Clerkenwell, close to Farringdon Station - details on our Getting to The London Archives webpage.