Abolition You are in: Devon > Abolition Devon's role in the slave trade is told in 成人快手 Radio Devon's first ever musical -listen again here. Plymouth residents have been given a unique opportunity to explore slavery through film. The people of Devon were involved in many aspects of the African slave trade from as early as 1562. The English chapter in the history of African slavery began in Plymouth and is remembered each year. Devon families are among those who owe their wealth to slave-run plantations in the West Indies. An anti-slavery leaflet first published in Plymouth helped galvanise the abolitionist campaign. New light is shed on the iconic painting, Portrait of an African, which hangs at a Devon museum. The Royal Navy played a difficult but vital role in policing the abolition of the slave trade. A descendent of infamous Devon slave trader Sir John Hawkins has been to Africa to say sorry. More from this section You are in: Devon > Abolition |