Plymouth will be marking the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade with a new memorial.
Earlier this year, the Council committed to commemorating the victims of slavery and the memorial has been installed to pay tribute to all of those who suffered and died as a result of historical slavery and also as a result of modern forms of slavery.
The memorial features former Plymouth MP and artist William Elford along with the countless other individuals and organisations who worked tirelessly to ensure the abolition of the slave trade.
It is mounted on a limestone plinth and features a plaque with an image of the British slave ship Brookes, designed by William Elford.
This image was first published in a pamphlet by the Plymouth chapter of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade and became one of the most important symbols of the national abolitionist campaign.
The memorial sits within the Plymouth Hoe Peace Garden, a space for contemplation and reflection.
Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Chris Mavin said: “I’m incredibly proud of Plymouth and its long maritime history. But I recognise that our history is complex and flawed and that it includes links to the development of the slave trade.
“It is important that we take a moment to reflect on our history and the impact of slavery – over 200 years since the official abolition of the slave trade in 1807. Unfortunately prejudice, racism and discrimination are still present in our society today – as is slavery though it often goes unseen.
“I’m proud that as a city we are committed to ensuring that Plymouth is an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. We are working hard to tackle discrimination, to improve community cohesion and to tackle hate crime. We are also working with our partners to ensure that not only our supply chains are ethnical and free from modern slavery, but that our city is also free from modern slavery and people trafficking”
This story and Plymouth’s contribution to this history can be explored in more detail at The Box and its 100 Journeys gallery.