Henry Dampier facts for kids

Henry Dampier (died 17 October 1771) was an English merchant and politician from Bristol, England in the 1700s. He became a very important person in his city, serving as both Sheriff and later Mayor of Bristol. Dampier was also known for being involved in the Atlantic Slave Trade, which was the business of buying and selling enslaved people.

Early Life and Business Beginnings

Henry Dampier was born in the city of Bristol, England, sometime in the early 1700s. He learned a lot about business from an experienced merchant named James Day. Day helped Dampier get into the slave trading business. Because they were related by marriage, Dampier was able to build strong connections with other important local merchants. His good reputation and connections helped others decide to invest money in his company. In 1726, Dampier joined the Royal African Company, a powerful trading company.

Career and Public Service

Dampier started his involvement in the Atlantic Slave Trade in 1728. His last trading trip was in 1743. For about 15 years after 1730, Dampier was one of about 20 merchants who controlled most of the trade from Bristol to Africa.

Slave Trading Voyages

Dampier's ships made about 26 voyages to trade in enslaved people. During these trips, they acquired 7,594 enslaved people in Africa. Of these, 6,277 survived the journey. After being purchased, these individuals were sent to various places in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, and also to the British colonies of Virginia and Maryland.

Dampier's main areas for acquiring enslaved people included St. Helena, the Bight of Biafra, the Gulf of Guinea Islands, the Gold Coast, and other smaller trading posts in West Central Africa.

A total of 5,376 enslaved people were taken to the Caribbean, while 2,218 were taken to mainland North America. Out of 7,594 enslaved people who started the voyages, 6,277 survived. This means 1,317 people, or 18 percent, died during these terrible journeys. On average, about 292 enslaved people were taken on each voyage, and about 241 survived each trip.

Political Roles

Dampier became a member of the Society of Merchant Venturers on October 17, 1728. This was a group of important merchants in Bristol. In 1736, he became a junior warden in the Society, and by 1750, he was the master of the group. Dampier was elected High Sheriff of Bristol in 1737 and again in 1751. He then became Mayor of Bristol in 1755, showing his important role in the city's government.