The forgotten slave traders who shaped Britain

William A Pettigrew discusses a landmark project he has led, identifying investors connected to the trafficking of enslaved African people

Published: September 16, 2026 at 8:30 AM

Save

Who were the people who financed Britain’s transatlantic slave trade – and how did their money transform the nation? Elinor Evans speaks to historian William A Pettigrew, who has led a landmark project identifying some 13,000 investors connected to the trafficking of 3.2 million enslaved African people.

Ad

William reveals how profits and networks associated with the trade influenced Britain’s politics, industry, culture and institutions, from the Royal Navy and canal building to theatres and charities. He also reveals the work behind a new register of the traders and how our ancestors' involvements can be tracked in more detail than ever before.

Ad

Don't miss a new BBC television series, Finding Britain’s Slave Traders with David Olusoga, which explores these stories. The first episode airs at 9pm on Monday 21 September on BBC Two, with all episodes also available on BBC iPlayer.

Authors

Elinor EvansHead of digital (web and video)

Elinor Evans is head of digital (web and video)

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...