When we think about the slave trade within the realms of Somerset and Avon, we usually think about Bristol.
Bristol was a port with wealthy merchants living there, and it is estimated that over 500,000 enslaved African people were traded by Bristol merchants.
Bristol’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade is well documented and well known, with exhibitions, books and more being dedicated to the subject over the years.
But what about our city, Bath? With Bristol taking much of the infamy in the area, it’s easy to gloss over Bath’s involvement in the trade of people across oceans.
But on days like today, we must look at and acknowledge that much of Bath’s Georgian splendour was built on the backs of slave money.
For example, Beckford Tower at Lansdown was built using money directly from the transatlantic slave trade. You can find out more about the Beckford family and their involvement here.
No.1 Royal Crescent have a booklet available online on ‘Luxury Goods and the Slave Trade’. This details how the opulence and treats enjoyed by the Georgians of Bath owes much to the slave trade.
The ‘Bath and Colonialism Archive Project’ is a joint venture between The National Archives and local historical organisations to “find out how colonialism and the Transatlantic Slave Trade was reported on and represented in Georgian Bath.” The project, which began in 2021, aims to shine a spotlight on Bath’s involvement in the slave trade through looking at old copies of the Bath Chronicle from Georgian times (please be aware some of the Chronicle articles contain racist language and distressing content).
Days like today are important to remember, as the impact of the transatlantic slave trade is still being felt across the world to this day. To find out more about International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, visit the UNESCO website.
Modern slavery and human trafficking
Modern Slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms such as slavery, servitude, forced labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.
At the University of Bath we are committed to improving our practices to combat slavery and human trafficking. Find out more on our website.
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