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City of London

Fighting the Slave Master: Past and Present

Sunday 31st May 2026

Join Black History Walks for a powerful and educational guided tour exploring the financial links between the transatlantic slave trade and the City of London, alongside the many forms of Black resistance—past and present.

 

This thought-provoking walking tour examines how institutions, including Lloyd’s of London, profited from the enslavement of African people, tracing the vast wealth generated through British slavery and its lasting impact. Through carefully selected locations across the City, the walk connects historical sites to the global systems of exploitation that shaped modern finance.

Central to the experience is a focus on resistance. The tour highlights the many ways enslaved Africans and their descendants fought back—from learning to read and preserving cultural identity, to organised revolts involving thousands. These stories challenge traditional narratives, placing Black agency and resistance at the forefront.

Drawing on research from Black History Walks Volumes 1 & 2 and material used in GCSE History education, the tour also incorporates insights from the “Underwriting Souls” database, a project led by Johns Hopkins University examining the role of insurance in the slave trade.

Topics explored during the walk include:

  • Revolts on slave ships and plantation resistance
  • Financial systems behind slavery, including insurance and banking
  • Cultural resistance through language, spirituality and identity
  • Warrior queens and women-led resistance movements
  • Black scientists and their legacy
  • Historical links between slavery, the Bank of England and global trade

Led by experienced guides, this walk offers a deep and engaging exploration of Black history, connecting historical events to contemporary discussions around race, power and inequality.

Event Details:
Start Time: 10:30am
Finish Time: 12:30pm

Ticket Prices:
From £15 (plus booking fee)

Age Guidance:
Suitable for adults and older young people

 

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