Clarkson Memorial facts for kids
The Clarkson Memorial is a special monument in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England. It honors Thomas Clarkson (1760–1846), who was a very important person in the fight to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Clarkson was born in Wisbech. This memorial was built between 1880 and 1881. It is a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very important historical structure.
The memorial has a statue of Thomas Clarkson on a platform. Above the statue, there's a tall, pointed canopy that looks like a spire. The whole monument stands about 68 feet (20.6 meters) tall. On three sides of the monument, you can see carved pictures called bas-reliefs. These carvings show William Wilberforce and Granville Sharp, who were also key figures in the movement against the slave trade. Another carving shows a slave in chains, asking for freedom. The fourth side has a special message written to remember Thomas Clarkson.
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Who Was Thomas Clarkson?
Thomas Clarkson was born in Wisbech in 1760. His father, the Rev. John Clarkson, was the headmaster of Wisbech Grammar School, where Thomas also went to school. Later, Thomas attended St Paul's School in London in 1775.
How Did Clarkson Start His Fight Against Slavery?
While studying at St John's College, part of the University of Cambridge, Thomas Clarkson wrote an essay that changed his life. The essay was titled "Is it right to make slaves of others against their will?" This essay helped him realize how wrong slavery was. He then decided to make ending the slave trade one of the most important issues of his time.
Clarkson's Chest and What It Shows
The Wisbech & Fenland Museum has a special chest that belonged to Thomas Clarkson. Inside this chest, you can find examples of African fabrics, seeds, and leather items from the 1700s. Clarkson used these items to show people that it was possible to trade directly with Africa. He wanted to prove that fair trade could replace the cruel slave trade.
Where Is the Memorial Located?
The Clarkson Memorial is located near where Thomas Clarkson used to live on Bridge Street, by the River Nene. It stands on the spot where the old Customs House used to be. That building was built in 1801 and replaced an older market. In 1856, the old bridge was rebuilt, and the Customs House was taken down to make way for the bridge improvements. When work began on the Clarkson Memorial in 1880, this central location was chosen for it.
Building the Memorial
The Clarkson Memorial cost £2,035 to build. Most of the money came from a generous donation by the Peckover family, who were local Quaker philanthropists (people who give money to good causes). The rest of the money was raised through public donations. Construction started on October 28, 1880. The statue was officially revealed on November 11, 1881, by Sir Henry Brand, who was the speaker of the House of Commons at the time.
Who Designed the Memorial?
The design for the memorial was based on an idea by Sir George Gilbert Scott, a famous architect. He first suggested his design in 1875. Sir George Gilbert Scott was known for designing many Gothic-style monuments, like the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, London. After his father passed away, John Oldrid Scott took over the responsibility for building the monument.
Recent Renovations
A four-year project to restore the memorial was finished in 2011. A new panel was added to the monument to mark its 130th anniversary. Today, the monument is used as the main point for the Remembrance Day parade in Wisbech.
