Trauma of History: Monday 4th June 07

Repairing the Trauma of History: What does an apology of substance look like?

Date: Monday 4th June
Time: 10:30am -1pm
Location: Deptford Town Hall

A unique event will take place outside Deptford Town Hall, New Cross Road on the morning of Monday 4 th June 2007. A group of people wearing yokes and chains will stop outside the town hall and attempt to make reparation for the acts of the seamen carved in stone on the front of the building. The statues are of three figures with disreputable histories:


Sir Francis Drake was a pioneer of the slave trade making at least three royally sponsored trips to West Africa to kidnap Africans and sell them into slavery.

Robert Blake was Cromwell's chief admiral and fought the Dutch to secure the trade triangle between the Caribbean, West Africa and England.

Lord Horatio Nelson was a fierce advocate for the trade. He wrote from the Victory on the eve of Trafalgar that as long as he would speak and fight he would resist "the damnable doctrines of Wilberforce and his hypocritical allies".


The ceremony outside the town hall is only one way to address the history and consequences of the slave trade and slavery. Recent discussion around the bicentenary commemorations of the Abolition Act of 1807 has polarised public opinion, as to what should or shouldn't be done. However, it is clear that the debate needs to continue.


To this end, following the ceremony, Goldsmiths is hosting a debate inside the town hall on the themes of reparation and apology which will focus on practical ways to address the issue. A panel of speakers will discuss a diverse range of approaches. The speakers include:
David Potts – Expedition Lifeline
Dr Jean Besson – Anthropology Department, Goldsmiths
Toyin Agbetu – Ligali
Esther Stanford – Rendezvous for Victory
Dr William 'Lez' Henry – Sociology Department, Goldsmiths

There will be opportunities for discussion and debate from the floor. All are welcome to attend and join in.

For further information please contact:

Paul Hendrich
paulhendrich@gmail.com