Department for Culture, Media and Sport
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Listing of 18 historic buildings amended to highlight their links to the abolition of slavery
JOINT DCMS/ENGLISH HERITAGE PRESS RELEASE
As the bicentenary year of the abolition of the slave trade draws to an end, Margaret Hodge, Culture Minister, today announced new protection for 18 historic buildings and monuments linked to the slave trade. Of these buildings, four are new listings in Hornsey, Camden, Stoke Newington and Bishops Castle, Shropshire and the listings of two in Stroud and Westminster have been upgraded. The 12 other buildings have had their listing descriptions amended to ensure their connection with the slave trade and special historic interest is adequately reflected.
Margaret Hodge said:
"The listing of these buildings is a timely reminder of how England's involvement in the slave trade is reflected in the built environment.
"It is important that we acknowledge all aspects of the slave trade, both the people who campaigned against it and succeeded in bringing about the abolition of slavery, and also the people affected by it, the Africans whose lives were disrupted and destroyed. I am pleased to say these new listings reflect this diversity, from prominent campaigners like Thomas Fowell Buxton to the unknown 'native of Africa' commemorated in the graveyard in Shropshire."
The decision on the listings, has been taken following advice from English Heritage, the Government's expert advisors on the built environment. In order to reveal a fuller story of England's history, English Heritage started a project in 2006 to review listed buildings and acknowledge historic links to transatlantic slavery and the abolitionist movement. The new information on abolition and the slave trade will help provide guidance on sites where the social historic importance can be even greater than the architectural interest.
The 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act outlawed the slave trade throughout the British Empire and made it illegal for British ships to be involved in the trade. It followed a long fought campaign by the abolitionists, headed in parliament by William Wilberforce. Slavery itself was finally made illegal in 1833 with the Slavery Abolition Act.
While Wilberforce is the best known of the abolitionists, there were many others who campaigned against slavery, and it is often the less well known names that are commemorated in the listed buildings, along with Africans who suffered as a result of the slave trade.
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said:
"This is history on our doorstep. These buildings and monuments are the physical reminders of the extraordinary campaign waged by so many people in England, black and white, to end the slave trade. Some buildings also remind us of the immense wealth that the slave trade created in British cities and ports. "
NEW LISTINGS:
The Tomb of Samuel Lucas and Margaret Bright Lucas in Highgate Cemetery
Samuel and Margaret Lucas were prominent social reformers and campaigners against slavery. Samuel, a Quaker corn merchant, was the editor of the Morning Star, a radical newspaper in which he had a financial stake. He used the paper to air his views on slavery in America, supporting the North while condemning the continuation of slavery in the South. In 1862 Lucas was a founder of the Emancipation Society which supported Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation committing the Union to the abolition of slavery.
Just hours before his death on 15th April 1865 he heard the news of the North's triumph over the South at Richmond which signalled the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery in America. This fact is recorded on the tomb's inscription, a very rare reference to the American Civil War on an English tomb.
Lucas is featured in Benjamin Robert Haydon's group portrait 'The Anti-Slavery Convention 1840' which hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.
Margaret Bright Lucas was a temperance activist and suffragist. After her husband's death, her travels to America inspired her work as the first president of the world-wide Women's Christian Temperance Union. She also served on the executive of the National Society for Women's sufferage and was active in peace and anti-prostitution work. She died in 1890.
The simple stone tomb is a new Grade II listing.
The Tomb of James Stephen in the churchyard of the Old St Mary's Church, Stoke Newington
James Stephen was a lawyer and anti-slavery campaigner who was a close associate of William Wilberforce both in work and family life. He became aware of the inequities of slavery when he watched a trial of four slaves in Bridgetown, Barbados who had been accused of a murder they clearly had not committed. He was outraged by both the trial and the verdict which condemned the men to death by burning. This experience was to shape his beliefs and his career.
Stephen practiced law in St Kitts for some years, and on his return to England in the 1790s he became actively involved in the Clapham Sect, a group of prominent abolitionists which included Wilberforce. He was instrumental in drafting the 1807 Abolition Act, working with Wilberforce to provide the legal knowledge. Stephen's personal life also became closely associated with Wilberforce when he married his sister Sarah in 1800.
Following the 1807 Act Stephen established the African Institution to encourage legal and humane trade with Africa, served as an MP, and wrote a book which became the chief text for anti-slavery campaigners. He died in 1832.
Stephen's tomb is a handsome Neo-Classical chest tomb with restrained detailing on the fluted legs and frieze. It has been newly listed as Grade II.
The Grave of an Unknown African 'I.D.' in St John the Baptist Church, Bishops Castle, Shropshire
The headstone on this highly unusual grave has an inscription which reads: 'Here lieth the Body of I.D./A Native of Africa/who died in ths (sic) Town/Sept 9th 1801/God hath made of one Blood, all nations of Men. Act 17 ch. ver. 26'. Nothing is known for sure about who this 'native of Africa' could be, though there is a record in the burial register of the internment of a John Davies on 12th September.
The lack of information about this individual is an evocative reminder of the human impact of the slave trade. The likelihood is that he came to Bishop's Castle as a servant in one the local country houses. But the quality of the headstone, with its elegant decoration and inscription, indicates that the person had achieved some status but the time he died. The quote is also one that the abolitionists used, suggesting that it was erected by someone with sympathies to the movement. In addition, the position of the grave is very curious, turned away from the others in the area with the inscription hidden from general view.
Overall, the historic importance of the grave is as a rare contemporary reminder of the stories of the many millions of unidentified individuals who were taken from their indigenous lands during the slave trade. The grave has been newly listed as Grade II.
The Tomb of Harriet Long and Jacob Walker in the churchyard of St Mary's Church, Hornsey
The tomb of Harriet Long and Jacob Walker is unusual in two respects. Jacob was the former slave of Harriet and her husband, and it is rare to find a nineteenth century memorial to a former slave, let alone one that shares his resting place with the woman who once owned him.
George Long, was the professor of ancient languages at the University of Virginia from 1824 to 1828, where he met and married Harriet Seldon. Jacob Walker was a slave who was part of Harriet's household. When the family returned to England, Jacob's status would have changed to that of servant as slavery was illegal in England. It is not known what Long's attitude to slavery was, he was a staunch supporter of the Southern states during the American Civil War, though this does not necessarily mean he was against abolition.
Both Harriet and Jacob died in 1841, though the story recorded some years later that 'an old black servant she had brought with her from Virginia, was found dead on her grave a day or two after her funeral, so the grave was opened that he might be buried with his mistress' is a romantic retelling, as Jacob in fact died two months after Harriet. However, Long did bury them together and the inscription on the tomb gives them equal importance. It also emphasises the difference in Jacob's status in Virginia and England and the disparity in the law in the two countries with regards to slavery: 'a native of Virginia / in America the faithful slave / in England the faithful servant'
The tomb is newly listed as Grade II.
UPGRADED LISTINGS:
Archway, Farmhill Lane, Stroud
The Anti-Slavery Arch at Farmhill Park in Stroud is Britain's oldest anti-slavery memorial. It was built by Henry Wyatt in 1834, a prosperous businessman and banker and anti-slavery campaigner, who had bought the Farmhill Estate the year before. The arch now stands at the entrance to Archway School, but in the nineteenth century it formed the carriage entrance to the Estate with its fine Georgian Mansion.
The issue of the abolition of slavery played a major part in local politics in the early 1830s. Stroud gained the right to elect a member of parliament in 1832 and the slavery issue set the local businessmen against the established landowners, inspiring meetings of up to 5000 people. The Stroud Anti-Slavery Society, of which Wyatt was a member, put pressure on the new MP W.H. Hyett to vote for the abolition of slavery in Parliament.
The arch is an extremely unusual monument in that it is a private triumphal arch that celebrates a public victory. It is architecturally very striking, built of limestone in a simple design with Doric pillars and topped with a cornice. A plaque commemorates the abolition of slavery and in Latin an inscription reads 'God gave freedom. Glory be to God'
The arch has been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* to reflect its particular historic importance and connection to a highly significant Act of Parliament.
Buxton Memorial Fountain, Millbank, Westminster
The Buxton Memorial Fountain was built by Charles Buxton to celebrate the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 and the achievement of his father Thomas Fowell Buxton and his associates who brought it about.
Buxton was an MP who took over as the leader of the abolitionist movement in the House of Commons after William Wilberforce retired in 1825. He led the parliamentary campaign to finally abolish slavery in the British Empire. He also formed the Anti-Slavery Society in 1823 along with Wilberforce, Zachary Macaulay and Thomas Clarkson.
After leaving Parliament in 1837 Buxton continued his work against slavery. He campaigned for legislation against the slave trade in other countries and worked to ensure the British Navy ran patrols to enforce the ban on slavery in the British Empire. He wrote two books on slavery in which he advocated the promotion of legitimate trade in produce and raw materials with African rulers to end the trade in people.
The memorial fountain was built in Parliament Square in 1865-6, possibly in connection with the abolition of slavery in America at that time. It was removed from the Square in 1949 when Victorian Gothic design had few admirers, and re-erected in Victoria Tower Gardens in 1957.
It was designed by S.S Tuelon as a public drinking fountain. It is octagonal with a brightly enamelled spire roof. It has been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* because of its particular historic interest and connection to a highly significant Act of Parliament.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. A full list of the buildings is attached.
2. Free images are available from the English Heritage folder on the Press Association's website at http://www.papicselect.com under 'Abolition Listings'.
3. The main purpose of listing a building is to ensure that care will be taken over decisions affecting its future, that any alterations respect the particular character and interest of the building, and that the case for its preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any redevelopment proposals.
4. English Heritage, statutory adviser on the historic environment, protects and provides advice on this country's unique legacy of historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites. It also manages over 400 sites and welcomes more than 11 million visitors to these each year.
5. English Heritage started a project in 2006 to review listed buildings and acknowledge historic links to transatlantic slavery and the abolitionist movement. Simultaneously, several previously unknown sites were discovered during research for English Heritage's Sites of Memory project, and more were being suggested by interested members of the public. The Sites of Memory leaflet and web micro-site, http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/sitesofmemory, was the first research by English Heritage to provide an overview for the public of the buildings and memorials across England that reflects the role of the slave trade and resistance to it.
6. The project was just one of those undertaken by English Heritage to help mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in a way that extends far beyond the general activities for 2007.
Abolition of Slavery Listed Buildings Fact Sheet
New sites being listed:
Grave of unknown African "I.D".
Church of St John,
Bishop's Castle, Shropshire
Listed at Grade II
An intact headstone of 1801, with an elegant and legible inscription and decoration. The tomb is of particular historical interest, having been erected to 'A Native of Africa', in this place, and at this date.
Tomb of Samuel Lucas and Margaret Bright Lucas (no. 13876) in
Highgate (Western) Cemetery
Swain's Lane, Camden,
London
Listed at Grade II
The tomb is of special historical interest, having been erected to Samuel Lucas, an anti-slavery campaigner; the inscription celebrates the imminent demise of slavery in America.
Tomb of James Stephen
Churchyard of Old Church of St Mary,
Stoke Newington, Church Street, Hackney, London
Listed at
Grade II
It has special architectural interest as an early-C19, Neo-Classical form, with fluting and tapered legs. It has special historic interest for its association with the lawyer and campaigner against slavery, James Stephen, who through his involvement with the Clapham Sect and William Wilberforce, and his legal skill and residence in St. Kitts helped to shape the late-C18 and early-C19 anti-slavery campaign in this country. He also was a founding member of the African Institution, which promoted proper trade with Africa
Tomb of Harriet Long and Jacob Walker in the churchyard of the
Old Parish Church of St Mary, High Street, Haringey,
London
Listed at Grade II
An intact and legible headstone of 1841. It is of special historic interest having been erected to commemorate a Virginian, Harriet Long, and her former slave (in America) and servant (in England), Jacob Walker. The contrast the inscription draws between the relative legal situations in America and England with regard to slavery in the year 1841 gives the tomb extra piquancy and the inscription also suggests a parity between mistress and former slave.
Listed buildings being upgraded:
Buxton Memorial Fountain
Victoria Tower Gardens, Millbank,
City of Westminster, London
Upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*.
An unusual and exuberant example of the work of S. S. Teulon, in association with Charles Buxton. The fountain is of particular historic interest having been erected to celebrate the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. The significance of the monument is enhanced by its location; it commemorates one of Parliaments most momentous Acts, and its principal dedicatee is the parliamentarian responsible for ensuring the passage of that Act.
Abolition Archway, formerly to Farm Hill Park
Farmhill Lane,
Stroud, Gloucestershire
Upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*
An extremely unusual monument in the form of a private triumphal arch, celebrating a public victory. The arch is of particular historic interest, having been erected to celebrate the passing of the law emancipating slaves in 1834; it is Britain's oldest anti-slavery memorial.
Existing listed buildings with amended descriptions:
Maritime Museum, formerly the Custom House
26 St Georges
Quay, Lancaster
Grade II*
It is a notable and complete example of an eighteenth-century custom house, of Palladian design. It has a strong connection with the slave-trading mercantile community of eighteenth-century Lancaster, which adds to the historical interest of building, and was not previously acknowledged in the list description.
Barclay's Bank
4 and 6 Water Street, Liverpool
Grade II*
It is a masterpiece of Herbert J. Rowse; one of the best interwar classical buildings in the country. Sculptural decorations, referring to Africa's contribution to Liverpool's economy, in combination with the bank's connection with slavery, add to historical interest of building, and were not previously acknowledged in the list description.
57 Parr Street
Liverpool
Grade II
It is a rare surviving warehouse of c.1799; its elegant and functional design can still be appreciated despite alterations. The association with Thomas Parr, a prominent Liverpool merchant connected with the slave trade, adds to historical interest of building and was not previously acknowledged in the list description.
The church of Holy Trinity
Clapham Common North Side,
Clapham, London
Grade II*
A plain classical church of 1774-6, exemplifying the characteristics of the 'preaching box', with original galleries. The strong connection with the Clapham Sect, a group active in campaigning for the abolition of the slave trade, adds to the historical interest of building.
The Georgian House
7 Great George Street, Bristol,
Avon
Grade II*
Fine example of a substantial merchant's town house in Bristol, of particular interest for having remarkably well-preserved interiors, with some original fittings. The strong connection with John Pinney, plantation owner and sugar merchant, and his former slaves, Pero, and Fanny Coker, adds to historical interest of building.
The Exchange
Corn Street, Bristol, Avon
Grade I
Widely regarded as Wood's outstanding public building, and as being amongst the finest civic structures of the eighteenth century. Strong connection with the slave-dependent mercantile community of 18th-century Bristol adds to historical interest of building.
Dobroyd Castle
Dobroyd Road, Todmorden, West
Yorkshire
Grade II*
It is an impressive country house of 1866-9 in local materials and a distinctive castellated style, occupying a prominent position in this milling town, having been built a major local mill-owning family. The series of four Caen stone carved tympana have particular historic interest for the way they represent the entire process of cotton production. These panels artistically and subtly reflect the views that this reforming mid-19th century cotton family held on slavery in the New World and the production of cotton in England, and this was not acknowledged in the previous list description.
Harewood House
Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Grade I
It is an outstanding country house, displaying the talents of three architects of stature: John Carr, Robert Adam, and Sir Charles Barry, along with decoration and furnishings by Antonio Zucci, Angelica Kauffmann, Biagio Rebecca and Thomas Chippendale. The house is of particular historical interest, partly in view of its well-documented connection with the slave trade; its existence is due largely to the fortune amassed by the Lascelles family in the West Indies, and this was not previously acknowledged in the list description.
Church of St Andrew
Church Street, Cambridge,
Cambridgeshire
Grade I
It is a large church of mainly 14th and 15th century date. Through a plaque commemorating his daughter, there is historical association with Olaudah Equiano, former slave and prominent anti-slavery campaigner.
Wilberforce Monument
Wilberforce Avenue, Kingston Upon
Hull
Grade II
It is a handsome and unusual monument, being an early use of the commemorative column in England. The monument is of particular historical interest, having been erected to commemorate William Wilberforce, England's most celebrated abolitionist, in the town of his birth, the significance of which is not properly acknowledged in the current list description.
Clarkson Monument on High Cross Hill
High Street, Thundridge,
Hertfordshire
Grade II
It is a dignified monument in the form of an obelisk. It is of particular historical interest, having been erected to commemorate Thomas Clarkson, one of the foremost heroes of the abolition movement, and to mark a spot of great significance for that movement.
Warehouses and General Offices at Western End of North
Quay
West India Road, Poplar, London
Grade I
Fine Georgian warehouses and offices; No. 2 Warehouse is the earliest remaining multi-storey warehouse in the Port of London. Strong connection with the British slave trade adds to historical interest of buildings, the warehouses having been built for the express purpose of receiving goods produced by slaves on West Indian plantations.
Public enquiries: 020 7211 6020
http://www.culture.gov.uk
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
http://www.culture.gov.uk
