A NEW report from the National Trust shows a link between two of its east Cheshire properties and the slave trade.
The report was commissioned by the charity last September as part of efforts to tell the history of colonialism, and it reveals a total of 93 properties across the country with links to slavery.
They include Quarry Bank Mill, in Styal, and Hare Hill, in Over Alderley.
Some 29 properties cared for by the National Trust have links to successful compensation claims as a result of the abolition of slavery.
Dr Tarnya Cooper, the National Trust’s curatorial and collections director, said: “The buildings in the care of the National Trust reflect many different periods and a range of British and global histories – social, industrial, political and cultural.
“A significant number of those in our care have links to the colonisation of different parts of the world, and some to historic slavery.
“Colonialism and slavery were central to the national economy from the 17th to the 19th centuries.”
The report highlights how Samuel Greg, who built Quarry Bank Mill in 1783, had benefited from family engagement in businesses related to slavery.
His father Thomas and uncle John had interests in four estates in Dominica and St Vincent, the report says, while Samuel and his brother Thomas inherited the Hillsborough plantation in Dominica and other estates.
Hare Hill
Meanwhile, the report shows how William Hibbert – who purchased Hare Hill in 1797 – and his son William Tetlow Hibbert ‘accumulated substantial wealth’ through trading enslaved people and the goods they produced.
Dr Cooper says it is the National Trust’s job as a heritage charity to research, interpret and openly share this information about its properties in full – although she says there is still more work to do.
“This report is the fullest account to date of the links between places now in the care of the National Trust and colonialism and historic slavery,” she added.
The report draws on the National Trust’s own archives and external evidence, such as the Legacies of British Slave-ownership project, which is run by University College London.
The research has been used to update online information and will be used to help the charity review visitor information and displays at its properties.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here