The British empire
““The Atlantic slave trade was, for much of its long life, a governmental enterprise in the countries concerned.” ”
The British Empire was an active participant in the global slave trade for roughly three hundred years. In this exhibit, it is only possible to provide a brief overview of how Britain became involved with and profited from the sale of enslaved people. In doing so, we hope to provide helpful background for understanding the specific stories of slavery and freedom within the walls of Shirley Place. Learning how enslavement began in the British Empire helps us understand what it was like, and how it had evolved, for the people enslaved by Governor Shirley.
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