This timeline traces the history of slavery in Lewisham from our earliest records to 1807 and the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, and beyond to 1838 when slavery was finally brought to an end in the British Empire.
We will add more detail and information to the timeline over the next months as we uncover the hidden history of Lewisham
On 9th November 1501 Katherine of Aragon landed at Deptford with 2 African slaves in her retinue
In 1562 the first slaving trip to Guinea set off from Deptford, led by John Hawkins. It established the 'triangle' taking slaves from West Africa to Hispaniola in the Caribbean
On 2nd March 1593 we have the first record for the burial of 'Cornelius, a blackamore' at St Margaret's, Lee
In 1731 Ignatius Sancho is brought to Greenwich where he gains employment with the Duke of Montague and educates himself
On 10th December 1762 Olaudah Equiano lands at Deptford aboard The Preston, where his master resells him
On 25th March 1807 the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act is passed
In August 1833 the Abolition of Slavery Bill receives Royal Assent and on 1st August 1838 enslaved men, women and children in the British Empire finally become free following a period of forced apprenticeship
Material for this timeline is taken from a wide range of sources including the parish records held by the Local History and Archives Centre. Please contact them for further information on anything listed here.