Atlantic Slave Trade: Venues and Resources

Challenging Historical Perspectives

A school residential trip focusing on the Atlantic Slave Trade allows students to conduct a sensitive and essential examination of Britain’s role in the transatlantic trade and the profound, lasting impact on the lives of those it affected.

The South Coast of England is inextricably linked to this history, with many coastal ports and estates directly involved in or built upon the wealth generated by the trade. By stepping outside the classroom to engage with local archives, historic estates, and regional heritage sites, pupils can facilitate mature, evidence-based discussions on human rights, justice, and the complexities of our shared national heritage.

• Connections to the South Coast: Students investigate the local history of port towns and the individuals whose wealth was linked to the triangular trade, exploring how regional economies were influenced by the global slave trade.
• Human Rights and Justice: Interactive sessions encourage pupils to confront the ethical realities of the trade, examining the personal narratives of enslaved people and the grassroots movements that fought for abolition.
• Legacy and Heritage: Children explore how this history remains embedded in the physical landscape, from public buildings to family legacies, fostering a deeper understanding of how the past continues to shape contemporary conversations about equality and justice.

Browse our curated selection of heritage sites, museum archives, and educational activities below to build a respectful and thought-provoking itinerary for your class.