Plaques have been installed on the statues of slave traders in London, highlighting the “significant injustices” perpetrated by these individuals.
The City of London Corporation initiated a project called Revealing The City’s Past, aimed at recontextualizing the statues of slave traders, including former Lord Mayor William Beckford and former MP Sir John Cass.
According to the corporation, this initiative represents a “commitment to historical responsibility” for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
The statues of Beckford and Cass now feature informational plaques that denounce their actions.
These plaques include writings from artist and heritage expert Rachael Minott, as well as poetry contributions from John Agard and Courtney Conrad.
William Beckford served as Lord Mayor of London twice in the late 18th century, amassing wealth through Jamaican plantations and the enslavement of Africans.
Sir John Cass, a merchant, MP, and philanthropist from the 17th and 18th centuries, also benefited from the slave trade.
In January 2021, the City Corporation initially voted to take down the statues but later opted for a “retain and explain” approach to provide historical context.
Chris Hayward of the corporation noted that the project has engaged “many talented individuals, especially voices from the Caribbean diaspora, who have long been marginalized in this narrative.”
He remarked, “This project exposes the significant wrongdoings of Beckford and Cass, unequivocally illustrating the disdain that should be directed toward these two figures.
“Despite opposition from many, these statues still stand.
“Here at Guildhall, we have two slave traders in our midst, but we do not support their legacy.”
Brendan Barns, head of the corporation’s culture, heritage, and libraries committee, characterized the statues as symbols of “prejudice, cruelty, and greed.”
“It is undeniable that the city’s connections to slavery tarnish our history, and we should never strive to erase or whitewash the past.”
Dr. Errol Francis from Culture&, an independent arts and education organization, expressed hope that this work would help clarify how London’s merchants and politicians profited from the enslavement of Africans.
