Cambridge Legacies of Enslavement reports
Over the last decade many Cambridge Colleges, the University and individual departments and institutions have undertaken research uncovering their historical legacies to enslavement. In this page you can find links to these reports and to sites generated as part of this on-going work.
University research and reports
University of Cambridge Advisory Group on Legacies of Enslavement Final Report (2022)
Research-led report investigating the University of Cambridge's links to the history of enslavement and the recommendations informing the direction of this Special Initiative.
An accessible overview of the inquiry and its findings is available on the main University website.
College-based projects and reports
Legacies of Enslavement at Christ’s
Researching the complex connections between members of Christ’s College and enslavement in the British colonies, including a database of individuals who benefitted financially or supported it in public debates.
The Downing Family and Legacies of Enslavement
Investigating the origins of the funds that established the College and the Downing family’s historical context, including letters advocating slavery and indirect links through political influence.
Girton Reflects: Legacies of Enslavement
Exploring the College’s internal history alongside external histories, focusing on sources of wealth and their connections to enslavement.
Legacies of Slavery and Coerced Labour at Gonville and Caius College
Preliminary research into College archives examining alumni and fellows’ connections to slavery or coerced labour, and related donations.
Jesus College Legacy of Slavery Inquiry
An investigation into historic links to slavery, including financial benefits, scholarly contributions, memorialisation, and reparative justice.
Magdalene College: Abolitionist Connections
Exploring the College’s historic links to abolition through the work of Peter Peckard, Master of Magdalene.
Newnham College Legacies of Enslavement Research Programme
Researching the College’s foundations and links to Victorian philanthropy, alongside lectures, discussion groups and student-led archival projects.
Queen's College Legacies of Enslavement Research Programme
A wide-ranging project examining biographies of 18th- and 19th-century members to uncover historical connections to enslavement.
Legacies of Enslavement at Trinity Hall
Researching historical links between the College and the trade in enslaved persons, uncovering connections to slavery as part of understanding its six-century history.
St John's College: Slavery and Abolition Collections Uncovered
An exhibition showcasing rare items from College and museum collections to prompt reflection on the Atlantic slave trade and its continuing relevance.
Legacies of Enslavement at St Catharine's College
Exploring the College’s historical links to slavery through archival research, student projects, and initiatives such as the removal of the bell for display in a slavery-focused exhibition.