Workshop: Bristol and the Transatlantic Traffic in Enslaved Africans
Bristol’s involvement in the Transatlantic traffic in enslaved Africans lasted a relatively short time in the city’s history as a trading port, but its impact remains evident today.
Students will:
- Investigate historic objects and other evidence
- Investigate the impact of events on Bristol
- Learn about some of those involved in the Transatlantic traffic in enslaved Africans
- Consider the legacy of the Transatlantic traffic in enslaved Africans
Student can also explore the relevant displays at M Shed with our free one-hour, self-guided activity.
Suitable for: Year 7–10 (please note that the workshop is not suitable for KS2)
Duration: 75 minutes
Group size: Up to 35 pupils – you can book more than one session.
We have sessions available from 10.15am.
Planning on having a picnic as part of your visit? FREE use of our lunch room is included in the cost of your session.
New textbook Bristol and Transatlantic Slavery: origins, impact, legacy
We’ve worked with local secondary history teachers to produce a new book suitable for KS3+. Although it has a particular focus on Bristol, this book is filled with the stories of people involved in transatlantic slavery from all over the world. It is ideal for use in the classroom or for anybody who is interested in knowing more about this fascinating and important topic.
Individual copies can be purchased from the museum shop . Schools and colleges can buy multiple copies at a discounted rate, please contact us for details.
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School Loan box
Our loan boxes, suitable for Key Stage 3, contain real and replica museum objects linked with the Transatlantic Traffic in Enslaved Africans. Find out more
Visit The Georgian House
Discover what a Bristol sugar plantation and slave holder’s home might have looked like around 1790, with a visit to The Georgian House Museum. Built by sugar trader John Pinney, the townhouse was where the enslaved servant Pero worked. Enhance learning outcomes by visiting both museums in one day.
Learning enquiry form
Please complete this form to start the booking process.
Additional information
Pupils will work in four groups. To get the most from your visit, please organise students into groups before your workshop begins.
Each group will require support from at least one adult. Recommended ratio: one adult for every 15 KS3/4 pupils.
You are welcome to take photographs. We’d love you to share pictures of your school trip with us on social media.
Eating and drinking is not permitted in the museum apart from the school lunch room. Crumbs attract pests and our collections are far too precious to be attacked!
School loan box
We’ve carefully selected real and replica objects from our collections to enable your students to investigate the process, abolition and legacy of Transatlantic slavery.
