main content Abolition! - Bromley and the end of the slave trade

Many people will be surprised to find that Bromley’s history includes both involvement in the slave trade and the campaign to bring about its end. It was at Keston that William Wilberforce and William Pitt, then Prime Minister, decided to put forward the idea of ending slavery to Parliament. 2007 is the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, and in October Bromley libraries and museum will celebrate Black History Month with exhibitions and events around the borough featuring Bromley’s connections.

There will be an exhibition at Bromley Central Library from 4-31 October and a travelling version which will visit several venues.  Every Saturday in October at Bromley Central Library and during half term at Bromley Museum in Orpington there will be workshops ranging from lively African dance and music, to colourful arts and crafts, including trying your hand at African head wrapping.

Steve Martin, author and historian, will lead a fascinating historical storytelling session at the Museum.

Community groups have also organised their own celebrations. These will include performances by girls from Cator Park School of ‘The Journey’, a play that uses historical and fictional characters to glimpse the world of the slave. On16th October ‘Celebrating Cultural Diversity Day’ will be demonstrated through music, dance and drama.

An Education Pack (Key Stage 3) to support the exhibition will be sent out to all schools in the borough. It will also be available at Bromley Museum and a PDF version can be downloaded from our website.

The exhibition and supporting activities have been funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

For further details leaflets are available from libraries, leisure centres and Council enquiry points, or contact Bromley Museum on 01689 873826.