Libraries and leisure

Hidden Histories: 2007 Bicentenary of the Act to Abolish the Slave Trade

Hertfordshire’s ‘Hidden Histories’ is a partnership project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and led by Hertfordshire Archives, investigating the links between Hertfordshire people, the slave trade and abolition.

Many African Caribbean people came to Hertfordshire before 1807, and have stories to tell. Hertfordshire people took part in the first mass human rights campaign, and were involved in the fight for freedom in Britain, the West Indies and America. Museums, archives, libraries, and community organisations in Hertfordshire have been working together during 2007 to find out more from primary sources, and give a voice to those whose stories have not been heard.

Volunteers have been searching the parish registers to find evidence of African Caribbean people, brought to Hertfordshire between 1570 and 1838 to work as domestic servants.

People from Hertfordshire were connected both to the slave revolts in the Caribbean and to the struggle within Britain to abolish slavery altogether.

Making a difference....Rededication of the Thomas Clarkson Monument in Wadesmill, 14th November 2007

Celebrating Thoms Clarkson and his contribution to the Abolition of Slavery. The official rededication ceremony was followed by an exhibition about Thomas Clarkson and Hertfordshire's links to the slave trade and abolition movement Hertfordshire. The day included a theatrical performance by children from Thundridge Primary School.

note The monument is on a main road and parking is limited. You can park at The Feathers in the village.

• Volunteer archive research: Local volunteers have been searching Hertfordshire Parish Registers for evidence of people of African and Caribbean descent living in the county since the 1500’s, producing an online searchable database and adding to the growing number of local histories of black people and their families.
• Talks, events and archive visits raising awareness of Hertfordshire’s historical links with the slave trade and the abolition movement with community groups, local history groups, BME groups, charitable organisations and local festivals across the county
• Film-making A DVD telling the ‘Hidden Histories’ and forming the basis of a Touring Exhibition in county-wide venues, such as libraries, museums and community centres has been produced. The DVD can be viewed through a link on the right hand side of the page.
• A booklist relating to the slave trade and its abolition, to be distributed in libraries and venues throughout the county.
• ENJOY! Hertfordshire Heritage trail booklet highlighting sites in the built environment of Hertfordshire linked to the slave trade and its abolition.
• Restoration of the Thomas Clarkson monument Worked closely alongside the Heritage Lottery funded project to restore the Thomas Clarkson monument at Wadesmill, Hertfordshire.

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