Historical links to Slavery Report

In October 2023, the University of Strathclyde published a report investigating its historical links to the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This report shines a light into the Institution's past and offers crucial insights that can guide Strathclyde's present actions as a socially progressive, anti-racist University committed to equality and diversity.

Strathclyde's origins

Strathclyde's origins date back to 1796 when its predecessor, Anderson's Institution, was founded. This Institution was envisioned in the Will of Professor John Anderson, a former professor at Glasgow University, who left a financial bequest for its creation. However, this initial funding fell short, and required the Trustees of his Will to raise additional funds.

The practice of chattel slavery

During this period, chattel slavery – one person’s ownership of another for forced, unpaid labour – was pervasive. Enslaved individuals were transported from Africa to various American colonies. Between 1791 and 1800, British ports witnessed approximately 1,340 voyages that transported around 400,000 Africans to the Americas. Enslaved individuals were forced to work on cotton, sugar, and tobacco plantations, generating immense profits for plantation owners who actively promoted and defended chattel slavery. The trade's profitability indirectly benefited many others and contributed significantly to the prosperity of cities like Glasgow.

Strathclyde’s links to chattel slavery

Some of the individuals who financially supported the establishment of Anderson's Institution profited from the trade in enslaved people. Although the exact sum of money derived from slavery is unclear due to incomplete historical records, these donations played a crucial role in the Institution's early finances.

Additionally, four past Presidents of the Institution's governing body were enslavers and were members of the Glasgow West India Association, which advocated for slavery before its abolition in Britain in 1833.

Many other Presidents and Trustees had indirect connections to slavery through their professions, businesses, relatives, or associates.

While Professor John Anderson's personal views on slavery remain unknown, circumstantial evidence suggests that he likely supported its abolition by the 1790s, based on his religious beliefs, subscriptions to anti-slavery publications, and associations with abolitionists.

What do these links mean today?

Today, discussions about the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its ongoing impact are gaining momentum. Strathclyde, like many institutions of its time, cannot escape the fact that it benefited from money derived from enslaved labour and that some of its governors had direct links to, and support for, chattel slavery.

In response to the report's findings, the University has set out several actions to advance racial equality, raise awareness of Glasgow's slavery legacy, and combat racism:

  • engaging with the Strathclyde student and staff community to seek guidance on advancing racial equality, with a particular focus on the Race Equality Steering Group
  • hosting student-led facilitated discussions to shape the University's long-term response
  • developing openly accessible online resources on researching the history of slavery in Glasgow, using Strathclyde as a case study
  • educating and engaging young people on the impact of the slave trade in Glasgow and its legacy through the creation of anti-racism resources for teachers
  • using the report's new knowledge to further efforts to decolonise the curriculum
  • implementing the action plan created by the Race Equality Working Group to challenge racism, improve the representation of BAME staff, and create an inclusive environment
  • collaborating with Glasgow City Council's Working Group on Slavery Legacy and aligning with their recommendations

Video

Take a look at the video below to find out more about the University's Slavery Report.

What do you think?

Strathclyde's historical links to the Transatlantic Slave Trade can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change and a commitment to rectify past injustices.

How do you think these links should shape the University’s behaviour and activities today? Sign up for one of our student engagement sessions below to share your thoughts: