Front of large medieval town hall with turrets
Guildhall, Gresham Street, London © Historic England
Guildhall, Gresham Street, London © Historic England

Slave Traders and Plantation Wealth

Between 1640 and 1807, it is estimated that Britain transported 3.1 million Africans (of whom 2.7 million arrived) to the British colonies in the Caribbean, North and South America and to other countries.

Wealth from the direct trade in enslaved people, from plantations and later from the compensation awarded following the abolition of slavery, was invested in Britain and can still be seen in many buildings today.

In this section we look at some of the personal fortunes made from the slave trade and the evidence that still exists of the slave trade's impact on Britain and people's lives.

In this section

  • Britain and the Slave Trade

    Here you can find out more about the role Britain played in the slave trade and the people involved.

  • London: Centre of the Slave Trade

    Here we look at London's part in the British slave trade and the impact left in our historic environment.

  • Bristol and the South West

    Here we look at Bristol and the South West's part in the British slave trade and the legacy remaining in our historic environment.

  • Liverpool and the North West

    Liverpool and the North West's part in the British slave trade and the impact left in our historic environment.

  • Yorkshire

    Yorkshire's part in the British slave trade and the impact left in our historic environment.

  • The Midlands

    Here we look at the Midland's part in the British slave trade and the impact left in our historic environment.

Next steps

Read about the slavery connections of British country houses