About

As the birthplace of William Wilberforce, Wilberforce House reveals the story of the transatlantic slave trade and its abolition.

Wilberforce is one of Hull’s most famous sons, having been an MP and a key figure in the successful campaign against the slave trade. One gallery of the museum focuses on Wilberforce himself, presenting his life’s journey through original artefacts, costume and documents.

The free museum, displayed within the charming 17th century home, also explores the different parts of the transatlantic slave trade process. From a glimpse into the fascinating West African culture, the horrific reality of capture and the appalling conditions of the Middle Passage, through to rebellious plantation life, each stage has its own gallery which depicts life as a slave. As well as this, there is an area exploring the eventual abolition of slavery and what happened after emancipation.

Beyond the transatlantic slave trade, Wilberforce House also examines the tragedy of modern slavery and the work that is carried out to stop it with a focus on West Africa and Hull’s twin city of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Wilberforce House is one of three museums that make up Hull’s Museums Quarter. Located along the cobbled High Street in the historic Old Town, the Streetlife Museum of Transport and the Hull and East Riding Museum are also free to enter.