Beyond the Ruins: A Journey of Discovery at Bunce Island

Bunce Island's defensive position and trade potential made it a surprising, yet strategic location for a slave fort. Today, remnants of this dark history remain.

This imposing archway, once heavily guarded, marked the entrance to Bunce Island's fort. Wooden gates and an upper guardroom ensured the security of those within.

Bunce Island, located seventeen miles upriver in the Sierra Leone estuary, was the location of a British  slave trading fort. Established in 1670, the island was leased from Bai Sama an African King. Today only the ruins of the former fort remain, including the historic jetty.

Bunce Island's imposing walls, reaching up to 40 feet high, were designed to keep enslaved people contained and to protect the white slavers. Parts of the walls were later destroyed to expand the fort.

This two-story building housed lower-ranking white officers, while its ground floor served as a storage area for trade goods. It's one of the island's oldest structures.

The slave fort's design prioritized security. High walls, raised walkways, and cannons created a heavily guarded environment. This protected the traders and contained the enslaved.

Two slave yards are located behind Bance House: the male and female/children slave yards. These were open-aired with wooden huts built for shelter from the tropical sun. The slave yard served as a temporary detention center for slaves awaiting shipment.

Twin bastions guarded Bunce Island, with cannons positioned between them. Flag posts on each suggest the Union Jack and Company flags once flew proudly.

A trail leading from the upriver beach has steps that go past the gunpowder magazine up towards the recreational area, the Orange Walk and onward to Bance House. 

Thousands of Africans' feet touched African soil for the last time at the historical jetty on Bunce Island. They embarked on the infamous Middle Passage from this jetty. Thousands died during the harsh voyages for a life of enslavement in the West. The island is a site of memory.

Today, Bunce Island stands as a national heritage site, a poignant reminder of its significant role in Sierra Leone's history and a testament to its resilience.