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Wales, Wilberforce and the abolition of the Slave Trade

Dr Graham Cope


Organisation:
NA
Regions:
England, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Pembrokeshire, Torfaen, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea
Notice Period:
Regular (more than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Paid: £75 + milage
Category:
History
Updated:
19th June 2026

In the 18thC the wealth of Wales grew largely due to slavery in the West Indies. A number of people, places and industries of Wales played a prominent role, ranging from Captain Morgan to Iolo Morganwg, Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil, Iron works to the woollen industry. William Wilberforce, an MP for Yorkshire campaigned for many years against strong opposition for the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. But Wales continued to benefit for many years after with copper mines in Cuba transporting ore to be smelted in the Copperopolis of Swansea.

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About Dr Graham Cope

After a long career as a medical scientist, I like to talk in an entertaining and accessible way about important healthcare issues such as antibiotic resistance, ‘guts’, inflammation and vaping. I have researched the history of the late Georgian period and I talk about the Royal scandal involving the Grand Old Duke of York and his mistresses Mary Anne Clarke. I talk about Wilberforce and the abolition of slave trade and the role played by the Welsh industries that fuelled the growth of slavery. Also, I have a talk about General Picton, who came from West Wales and died at Waterloo. A talk about the last invasion of Britain at Fishguard, Pembrokeshire is also available. Finally, my new talk is about the history, both factual and personal, of my military history novel set in the late 18th century.


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