Cambridge Legacies of Enslavement: reports and research
Research into Cambridge’s historical links to enslavement is taking place across both the University and the colleges. These projects bring together archival research, historical analysis, exhibitions, and public engagement work exploring connections to slavery, colonialism, and their ongoing legacies.
The colleges of the University are independent institutions, and approaches to research and public engagement vary across Cambridge.
University research and reports
University of Cambridge Advisory Group on Legacies of Enslavement Final Report (2022)
A research-led report examining the University of Cambridge’s historical links to enslavement and colonialism, alongside recommendations that helped shape the University’s ongoing Legacies of Enslavement initiative.
Read an overview of the inquiry and its findings on the main University website.
Vice-Chancellor’s response
The Vice-Chancellor’s response to the Advisory Group report, outlining the University’s commitments and next steps.
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.
Black at Clare: a history
Exploring the histories, experiences and contributions of Black students and fellows at Clare College through archival research, photography and personal testimony, highlighting Black presence at the College across centuries.
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 Legacies of Enslavement
Magdalene College reports on ongoing research into its historical links to enslavement, including archival investigation, material culture analysis, and efforts to better understand and acknowledge the College’s colonial past.
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.
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.
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.