Introduction

Why did we do this project?

We were aware that 2007 would see the commemoration of 200 years since Britain passed the Act that ended Britain's participation in the transportation of slaves, even though a 100 years would pass before "The Slave Trade" as it is known was consigned to the history books. We debated whether slavery itself had been consigned there and how this could best be addressed.

Therefore we decided to run a free five week course to explore the issue of women and Slavery, incorporating looking at he origins of slavery, the abolition movement and the current situation through guest inputs from musicians, storytellers, historians and campaigners.

Only work presented to be included has been.

Although slavery was effectively illegal in England from 1772 and in Scotland from 1778, campaigns to abolish both the trade and the institution have continued ever since. Women participated in the campaign from its beginning and were gradually able to move from the private into the political arena as strategies changed.

Similar strategies were employed and developed during the 1866-1928 women's suffrage campaign, with the same individuals and families active in both campaigns.