The City of London Corporation has been found to have had members who were directly involved in the trafficking of enslaved Africans, with 280 members identified as traffickers between 1640 and 1807. The investigation, led by Professor William Pettigrew, reveals that these members were connected to crossings that violently transported at least a quarter of a million enslaved African men, women, and children to plantations. Of these, approximately 37,000 died during the crossings.
Investigation Findings
The report, commissioned by the Corporation in December 2024, was seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). It identifies 41 Lord Mayors, representing 23 per cent of the total during the period, and 129 Aldermen as traffickers. Five per cent of Common Councillors were also found to be traffickers, meaning they invested directly in crossings. The Corporation itself was not found to be directly connected to the trade, with links coming via its members.
Professor Pettigrew's research, due to be published later this year, describes members as “instrumental” to the early history of England’s involvement in the trade. The report states that further details may be added ahead of its official publication.
Historical Context and Connections
The report highlights that Britain’s first voyage trafficking enslaved African people in 1562 was supported by a serving Lord Mayor, Sir Thomas Lodge, and another who would later take on the role, Sir Lionel Duckett. Of the 203 original subscribers to the Royal African Company, 72 (35 per cent) were Corporation members, with 69 members also independent traffickers.
Professor Pettigrew wrote: “The Royal African Companies provided an opportunity for members of the City of London Corporation to improve their relationship with the Crown after the difficulties of the Civil War years and the Interregnum. In this way, the African Companies - and the huge human trafficking they perpetrated - allied Crown and City power to generate significant economic growth in the decades after the restoration of the monarchy.”
Institutional Links and Responses
The report also reveals that part of Hampstead Heath was purchased in the late 19th century using funds indirectly connected to profits from the slave trade, long before the Corporation took over management. No schools supported by the Corporation were found to have direct financial connections other than The Aldgate School, founded by Sir John Cass. The Portal Trust, which runs the school, published its own research in February 2021.
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: "It is disappointing the report has been leaked and we will be publishing it later this year. To better understand this part of our history, we commissioned Professor William Pettigrew in 2024 to use the London Archives and the Register of British Slave Traders to research any historic links of the City Corporation and past elected members to the slave trade. Addressing this history openly and honestly is important as we build a City where everyone feels welcome and included."
The national database Professor Pettigrew is working on will be published in the autumn, with a BBC documentary and Guardian series also planned.
