Join Professor John Coffey from the University of Leicester as he explores whether John Newton might be the 'Anonymous' speaking against the slave trade in 1762.
Newton worked for a land based slave trader in Sierra Leone from 1746 to 1748, followed by four journeys on slave ships as First Mate and then Captain. He would later regret his involvement in the Slave Trade and became an abolitionist.
Newton wrote Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade, in which he speaks about the cruelties inflicted on enslaved Africans. Published in 1788, this written contribution towards the abolitionist movement came about relatively late in Newton’s life. Do other sources suggest that Newton was raising a voice against the slave trade before this?
Tickets also available on the day at the door.
Refreshments will be provided upon arrival.
John Coffey is Professor of History at the University of Leicester and is currently Director of the Wilberforce Diaries Project.
Professor John Coffey’s profile, including his awards and areas of specialism can be found here: John Coffey | People | University of Leicester
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