Research Uncovers British Monarchy's Direct Role in Caribbean Slavery Through Dockyards and Auctions
New historical research reveals the British monarchy directly owned and profited from enslaved people in the Caribbean from the 18th to early 19th centuries. In 1823, 17 individuals were sold at auction in Barbados on behalf of King George IV, separating families. The practice began earlier with naval dockyards in Jamaica and Antigua, where enslaved laborers were purchased for the crown. The monarchy also acquired thousands through military conscription and legal forfeiture. Despite abolitionist pressure, the crown continued treating enslaved people as property until emancipation in the 1830s.
Key facts
- In 1823, 17 enslaved people were auctioned in Bridgetown, Barbados, with proceeds going to King George IV's treasury.
- The British crown began owning enslaved individuals in Caribbean naval dockyards in the 1730s under George II.
- Between 1795 and 1808, the crown purchased over 13,000 enslaved men for military service in the West India Regiments.
- Enslaved people entered royal ownership through purchase, conquest, and legal forfeiture when enslavers died without heirs.
- The monarchy did not free enslaved people in its possession until 1831, three years before general emancipation in British colonies.
Entities
Institutions
- British Crown
- Royal African Company
- Admiralty
- Anti-Slavery Society
- Colonial Office
- British monarchy
- British Army
- West India Regiments
- Royal African Corps
- Treasury
Locations
- Barbados
- Jamaica
- Antigua
- Bridgetown
- Port Antonio
- English Harbour
- Grenada
- Berbice
- Dominica
- Caribbean