Shocking Report Reveals Hampstead Heath Acquired with Profits from Slave Trade

Historical Ties to the Slave Trade Identified in Hampstead Heath

Recent findings reveal that a portion of Hampstead Heath was acquired in the 19th century using funds that are indirectly linked to profits from the slave trade. A report set to be released in September, which examines the City of London Corporation’s historical connections to this trade, includes a troubling list of former councillors and Aldermen implicated in these financial activities.

This report highlights how some open spaces overseen by the Corporation, with Hampstead Heath being one of the most notable examples, have connections to this dark chapter in history. A spokesperson for the Corporation, which has overseen Hampstead Heath since 1989, emphasised the importance of addressing this history “openly and honestly” as part of their commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in the City.

Research Commissioned to Uncover Historical Links

The investigation was commissioned by the City of London in December 2024, with Professor William Pettigrew from Lancaster University at the helm of the research. This initiative aims to identify Lord Mayors, Aldermen, and other officials who served between 1640 and 1807 and had financial stakes in the slave trade, as well as to trace related institutional investments.

A preliminary paper released prior to the commission noted that several institutions, including the Bank of England and the Church of England, have undertaken similar investigations into their historical ties to the slave trade. Furthermore, it is anticipated that research from Lancaster University, The University of Manchester, and University College London will also emerge later this year, collectively titled The Register of British Slave Traders. This compilation is expected to reveal numerous connections with the City of London.

Implications for Hampstead Heath’s Acquisition

Details from Professor Pettigrew’s forthcoming report, which has already been shared with the Corporation, suggest extensive links between past members of the Corporation and the trafficking of African slaves. Notably, it discloses that the acquisition of part of Hampstead Heath—specifically Parliament Hill Fields—involved funds associated with the slave trade.

After the Metropolitan Board of Works purchased Hampstead Heath in 1871, it was deemed essential to also acquire Parliament Hill Fields to the east. To facilitate this purchase, a newly established charity, the City Parochial Foundation, was identified as a contributor, alongside other entities including the Board of Works. However, it is important to note that this Foundation was formed by merging local parish charities that had previously received donations from various traffickers.

Commitment to Transparency and Inclusion

In response to these revelations, a spokesperson for the City of London Corporation commented, “To better understand this part of our history, we commissioned Professor William Pettigrew in 2024 to utilise the London Archives and the Register of British Slave Traders to investigate any historical links of the City Corporation and past elected members to the slave trade.”

They further noted, “Addressing this history openly and honestly is important as we build a City where everyone feels welcome and included. The report will be published later this year.”

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