New Walking Routes Connect Abolition Landmarks

New walking routes have been established to connect two significant landmarks associated with the slave trade and its abolition, aiming to provide historical context. An information plaque detailing the history of the Blackboy Clock and statue has been placed outside Blackboy House in Stroud, Gloucestershire. This plaque illustrates two routes that lead to the Anti-Slavery Arch in Paganhill, a structure erected in 1834 to mark the 1833 abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire. According to officials, the information board “provides important context” regarding abolition within the United Kingdom and fosters “ongoing conversations” concerning slavery. The Anti-Slavery Arch in Paganhill, a Grade II* listed structure, holds the distinction of being the UK’s oldest anti-slavery memorial. Constructed in 1834 by Henry Wyatt, a prosperous local businessman linked to the Stroud Anti-Slavery Society, it originally served as the main entrance to a Georgian mansion. Stroud District Council currently owns the arch and has initiated £42,000 in stone repairs and cleaning, with completion anticipated next month. The Blackboy Clock was crafted in 1774 by clock and watchmaker John Miles. A study of the clock indicated that it is probably one of only 20 such examples still existing in Britain. While the report could not confirm if the associated statue represented a slave, it affirmed: “Whatever the inspiration or its origins, it has to be remembered that, without a doubt, the boy’s image came directly or indirectly through the influence of slavery and colonialism”. Despite campaigns to have the clock and statue, which have been labeled an “offensive racist relic,” removed, the council is unable to intervene due to their private ownership. Nevertheless, the new information board offers crucial context for these landmarks, aiming to ensure the history of the slave trade remains remembered. The Community Representation Taskforce, established in 2023, was responsible for developing this plaque. The community initiative sought to highlight the Stroud district as an inclusive and welcoming location for residents, workers, and visitors. Dan Guthrie, a member of the Taskforce, commented: “Myself and my fellow Taskforce members hope that this plaque provides a greater context for the history of the Blackboy Clock at street level where previously there was no information available. “The plaque going up is a step forward in what we feel is the right direction for what should happen with this item of public statuary in our district, but is certainly not the end of what continues to be an ongoing conversation.”