Mayor announces plans for a landmark memorial in the capital for victims of the transatlantic slave trade

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced plans for a new memorial to honour the victims of the transatlantic slave trade.

Ahead of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery, the Mayor is committing £500,000 to develop a memorial in West India Quay in Docklands. 

The area is home to warehouses that were built to receive the products of slavery – the only surviving buildings of their kind in London. 

While London hosts many statues reflecting the wealth and power the slave trade created, there is little to memorialise the millions of African people who were enslaved or its impact on generations of Black communities.  

The mayor has worked in partnership with the Museum of London Docklands and the Canal & River Trust, and many other heritage partners, there will also be an education programme to tell a full picture of this chapter of London’s history.  

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It is vital that our public spaces reflect the heritage of our great city – in all its diversity and complexity. 

“This memorial will help commemorate the victims of a dark, yet formative chapter of our history.”

Pictured Top: West India Quay in London Docklands (Picture: Google Maps)