The 1840 Anti-Slavery Convention - A Walking Tour with Alan Gartrell

1840's Anti Slavery Convention Walking Tour with Alan Gartrell:

Anti Slavery International is the oldest human rights charity in the world, dating back to 1787. An important demonstration of its international reach was the Anti-Slavery Convention of 1840, the same year that Abney was opened.

An enormous painting by Benjamin Haydon shows scores of identifiable delegates of whom at least six are buried in Abney and many others lived in Stoke Newington, but the centre of the painting is dominated by previously enslaved Henry Beckford from Jamaica.

The tour will discuss the protagonists in the painting, Stoke Newington's role in the Abolition movement and the interaction with movements of protest and women's rights.

Speaker Bio

Alan Gartrell has given tours of Abney Park for many years now. His topics spread a huge range from the history of Hackney's MPs to Abney Parks missionary links. He very modestly says he is not a historian, just a few clicks ahead of everyone else on Wikipedia.

From the Stoke Newington High Street entrance, please meet at the far end of the pedestrian walkway - where the path splits into three (near the dark green cabins).

The tour will last around 60 mins.
Please arrive 5 minutes early for the 2pm start.
Please wear suitably sturdy footwear.
There are no toilet facilities available.