In the late 1700s the occupiers of Valence House were Henry Merttins Bird and his wife Elizabeth.

When Wilberforce came to Tea is a short three act play that examines the dynamics in the Bird family between the abolitionists represented by Henry’s cousin William Wilberforce and the planters represented by Henry’s wife Elizabeth.

When Wilberforce came to Tea, written in partnership with Simone Panayi and 6th form drama students from Robert Clack School, will be performed by the students and made into a film. The script, resulting film and related research will be used as the basis of taught education sessions at Valence House from the autumn.