About
We are a group of institutions and individuals from, or linked to, the City of Wells in Somerset who come together to explore how Wells is connected to transatlantic slavery. Our project aims to make these histories visible across the city and consider the enduring legacies of transatlantic slavery in Britain and the Caribbean. This is an ongoing project and we welcome further contributions.
The institutions involved so far are Wells Cathedral, Wells Cathedral School, Wells & Mendip Museum, Wells City Council, St. Cuthbert’s parish church, The Bishop’s Palace, City Archives, Somerset African Caribbean Network, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, the Diocese of Bath and Wells and interested individuals including members of the Tudway family. Community historian Stephanie Mathivet and academic historians Professor James Clark of the University of Exeter and doctoral student Tommy Maddinson, undertake aspects of research.
The group is supported by historians, theologians, researchers and community leaders from the UK and the Caribbean and we greatly appreciate their contributions.
Many organisations and individuals within Wells are now undertaking research into historic links between the City, its institutions and its citizens with transatlantic slavery. This group coordinates research undertaken by constituent members to see how such work can be brought together for mutual benefit.
It must be noted that Wells is predominantly ethnically white British. The group will therefore actively seek the involvement of African heritage voices and views.
Creation and ongoing distribution (at the sites that are open to the public) of a city-wide trail that documents the sites in Wells that are connected to transatlantic slavery. It is also available online.
Continue to seek opportunities to extend our research and to communicate and share its insights through reports, talks and events
Continue to develop the Wells & Transatlantic Slavery website to facilitate online learning through recordings of talks & disseminating research as it becomes available.
Invite and coordinate artistic, poetic and dramatic responses to the material and subject matter.
Create a permanent memorial to the those who were enslaved, and as far as is possible to involve their descendants in the design of such a memorial.
Resources to aid teaching slavery in History, RE, PSHE and opportunities to learn outside the classroom through a school visit to Wells.
Contact details & to join our mailing list: [email protected]
Website for further research & talks www.wellsandtransatlanticslavery.com