Expert-Led History of Slavery and Abolition in London

What your day looks like

Beneath the gleaming facades of London’s Financial District lies a history of immense wealth built on human suffering. This walking tour uncovers the city’s deep ties to the transatlantic slave trade and the individuals who fought for its abolition. Walk through the heart of London with an expert historian who brings to life the stories of enslaved people, abolitionists, and the institutions that profited from slavery. From legal battles that exposed its brutality to the voices that demanded change, this experience offers a deeper perspective on a history often left untold. The tour begins at Guildhall, where the Zong massacre trial revealed the horrors of the slave trade. Outside the Bank of England and Royal Exchange, learn how financial institutions shaped and sustained slavery. Visit St. Mary Woolnoth, where John Newton, a former slave ship captain, preached against the trade. Walk through streets where coffee houses doubled as trading hubs and meeting places for abolitionists. Travel by DLR to West India Quay and conclude at the Museum of London Docklands, exploring the Slavery and Sugar gallery. Interior visits include St. Mary Woolnoth and the museum.