William Wilberforce was an MP who lobbied for a ban on slave trading. Wilberforce took frequent trips to the Lake District from Hull (it took him 3 weeks to get there) and rented a house called Rayrigg. He used to row out to one of the islands on Windermere to contemplate his anti-slavery legislation.

The campaign against slavery in Britain had two connected phases. The first began in earnest in Britain in the 1770s. William Wilberforce made his first speech against slavery in 1789. This speech resulted in the 1807 law against the transportation of slaves. The second phase, a campaign for abolition began because despite this law slaves continued to work on the plantations.

Wilberforce unfortunately died one month before the law was passed that emancipated slaves in all parts of the British Empire.

Hands on History - Local History

Philippa spoke to a local historian in the programme to find out more about Wilberforce in the Lake District. There are many local history groups. Most counties have groups that meet regularly and there will also be a local history book for the area that you are interested in.

You can also contact the Federation of Family History Societies to find a group in the area you are researching.

Content last updated: 21/09/2006