Transatlantic Slave Trade Connections to Peel

With over 11 million Africans shipped to the Americas the transatlantic slave trade remains the largest forced migration in human history. Known as the 'Guinea' trade, through the lens of Manx traders in Peel we reveal the Island's slaving ties. 

From the first importation of 'Guinea goods' into the island in 1718 through to the Revestment Act in 1765, the Isle of Man, with its duty-free ports, was fundamental to the slave trade during the 18th century.

Between 1742-53, half the ships leaving Liverpool called in at Manx ports to collect goods.  The final leg of the transatlantic slave trade also profited the island.  Ships returned with rum, sugar and coffee from the West Indies or Virginia bought from the selling of slaves. 

These were stored in cellars like this with rum decanted into small casks to await the Manx or Irish boats. Scottish merchants warehoused rum in Peel as well as Douglas, the former being more convenient for smuggling to southern and western Scotland.

Much of what we know about the island's role in the slave trade comes from the archive of George Moore, merchant and Manx politician. He smuggled goods into the island with his brother Philip. As a prolific letter writer, it is clear he had 'Guinea' contacts in Liverpool.

George attempted to politically influence the slave trade. He campaigned (in vain) for the enlargement of Peel harbour to allow more room for the 'commodious' Guinea vessels.

The Mathematical School in Market Street was founded in 1763 by Rev James Moore, brother of George. The school was erected to teach navigation  for 'bringing forward a young man intended for the sea.'

12-year-old George Cannon served on the Rawlinson, sailing from Liverpool to Jamaica.  He returned to the island in 1781 as a scholar of the Peel Mathematical School for two years. He left as a ship's carpenter, but returned a 'Guinea Captain'.

Following Revestment in 1765 the Island was no longer a free port for trade and many merchants left the island. Over 60 Manx captains commanded vessels throughout the slave trade. After 1765 many Manx mariners went to work on English slave ships.

Cannon left Liverpool on 8 June 1798. 452 slaves were bought in the Bight of Biafra (Nigeria) and in the Gulf of Guinea islands. The Iris arrived in Jamaica with 414 slaves on 4 November 1798 and returned to Liverpool on 12 April 1799.

The later 18th century witnessed a growing belief in the liberty of the individual. A few decades later, James Brown, grandson of a freed American slave, came to the island and became editor of the Isle of Man Times and campaigned for the popular vote. 

Modern slavery is defined (by the charity Anti-Slavery) as 'the severe exploitation of other people for personal or commercial gain'. Modern slavery is all around us, but often just out of sight. Find out more about modern slavery by going to One World Centre Isle of Man

Our thanks to the One World Centre Isle of Man; C.W. Gawne; Stephen Moore; Frances Wilkins. You can find out more about the Isle of Man's links to the Transatlantic slave trade by reading the Manx National Heritage Library Info Sheet