Liverpool was the hub of the British Empire's slave trade. Over 90% of the vessels used to transport British slave cargo came from Liverpool. Historians estimate nearly 1.5 million Africans were carried across the Atlantic in ships from the city's docks. 

In 1700 Liverpool entered the slave trade with the launch of the vessel Liverpool Merchant. Liverpool quickly became one corner of the infamous 'Slave Triangle', along with Africa and the Americas.

In the second half of the 18th century Liverpool's sphere of influence in the slave trade increased dramatically. Wealth was accumulated among institutions and citizens paving the way for commercial growth in the port town. In the 1790's and early 1800's nearly 130 ships were departing Liverpool annually for the shores of Western Africa in search of slave cargo. Liverpool accounted for nearly half of all slaves Britain shipped across the Atlantic during the trade.

Liverpool benefitted from its proximity to an extensive network of waterways linking the city to other British towns that provided access to textiles, alcohol, beads, firearms, copper and brass. These goods were in turn shipped to Africa and traded for slaves. In America the slaves were sold for goods to be shipped back to England, including cotton, sugar, coffee and tobacco.

Liverpool had the backing of several town MP's and mayors who not only invested in the trade themsleves but also supported the slave trade in Parliament. The trade was incredibly lucrative to the town, with most of the wealth accumulated between 1750 up until 1807, when the British Empire abolished the trade.

In July of 1807 the Kitty's Amelia, captained by Hugh Crown, was the last British slaver to set sail from Liverpool. 

On August 23^rd Liverpool will open the International Slavery Museum at Albert Docks.

Hosts:  

National Museums of Liverpool : www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

University of Liverpool :  www.liv.ac.uk

Comments (0)