Clapham's Hidden Links to Sierra Leone: Guided Walk

A Heritage Trail Exploring Clapham’s hidden links to Sierra Leone, its ‘Province of Freedom’ and Freetown.

This walk through Clapham Common, facilitated by historian Steve Martin and historical researcher Iyamide Thomas will provide the often untold story of how Britain, through involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its abolition is uniquely linked to Sierra Leone and its ‘Krio’ people. The Krio are mainly the descendants of previously enslaved African, African-American and Caribbean people.

Iyamide and Steve will explore the founding of a ‘Province of Freedom’ and ‘Free Town’ by abolitionists Granville Sharp and others known as the ‘Clapham Sect’ - mainly prominent, wealthy evangelical Anglicans who worshipped at Holy Trinity Church on Clapham Common at the end of the 18th Century. William Wilberforce and Henry Thornton, two of the group’s most influential leaders, resided in Clapham and many of the meetings were held in their houses. In 1799 the Sect founded the African Academy, a school to educate mainly boys from Africa, a few of whom are buried in Clapham.

All the above and much more fascinating history awaits you on this interesting heritage trail!

This walk is free to the public thanks to funding from the Mayor of London's Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm.