Plate to commemorate the abolition of the slave trade

© National Maritime Museum, London

Description: Between 1792 and 1806 a number of attempts were made to enact parliamentary legislation that would either control or abolish the slave trade. But it was not until 1806 and the death of William Pitt that Wilberforce and his associates were able to force a hastily formed coalition government to pass the Abolition Bill. The bill was accepted by parliament in March 1807 and the trading in slaves in British territory became illegal on 1 January 1808.

Creator: Moses, Henry [artist]; Collyer, Josiah [engraver & publisher]

Date: 4 Jun 1808

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London