Anti-Slavery International is the oldest human rights charity in the world, dating back to 1787. An important demonstration of its international reach was the Anti-Slavery Convention of 1840, the same year that Abney was opened.

An enormous painting by Benjamin Haydon shows scores of identifiable delegates of whom at least six are buried in Abney and many others lived in Stoke Newington, but the centre of the painting is dominated by previously enslaved Henry Beckford from Jamaica.

The tour will discuss the protagonists in the painting, Stoke Newington's role in the Abolition movement and the interaction with movements of protest and women's rights.

This tour is free with a suggested donation to help support Abney Park Trust.

Please enter at the Stoke Newington High Street entrance and follow the pedestrian walkway to the far end - where there is circular paving and the path splits into three.

Please note:
We may need to cancel at short notice if the weather is inclement - please check your emails on the morning of the walk that you have booked.
Please wear sturdy shoes.
There are no toilet facilities available.

Speaker Bio:
Alan Gartrell has given tours of Abney Park for many years now. His topics spread a huge range from the history of Hackney's MPs to Abney Park's missionary links. He very modestly says he is not a historian, just a few clicks ahead of everyone else on Wikipedia.

The tour will last around 60 mins.
Please arrive 5 minutes early for the 2pm start.
Please wear suitably sturdy footwear.
There are no toilet facilities available.