Slaves below deck.

Slaves below deck. © National Maritime Museum, London

Description: It is impossible to comprehend how dreadful conditions must have been below deck on a slave ship. As many Africans as possible were crammed into the ship’s hold. There was no sanitation, very poor ventilation, only basic supplies of food and water, and strictly limited opportunities for exercise and fresh air on deck. Contagious diseases were a real danger.

Creator: Unknown

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London