A central Liverpool street will become the first in the city to have a plaque installed explaining its links to slavery.
The plaque will be unveiled close to the World Museum Liverpool on William Brown Street on April 5, explaining the street's history and its slave trade origins. William Brown Street will be the first of around ten Liverpool streets to have an ‘Eric Scott Lynch Slavery Histories’ plaque installed, named in honour of the activist and historian who died last year.
Eric spent his life drawing attention to Liverpool’s links with slavery and, through his family, he played a key role in identifying which areas of the city were directly linked with the slave economy and the growth of the city. These include streets named after slavers or places connected with the trade, as well as those located in areas that frequently feature in current walking tours of the city.
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Andrew Lynch, Eric Lynch’s son, said: "These plaques stand testament to the educational work that my father Eric Scott Lynch carried out. Over many years, he strove to give the people of Liverpool a deeper understanding of the central role the city played in shaping the modern world.
“The enormous wealth generated by slavery and imperial interests built the city into a major trade hub and financed many of the industries that were to become the cornerstone of the industrial revolution. This reminds us that Liverpool is truly a world city, with the labour of Africans and people of African descent being a key part of our story."
A list of streets was originally submitted by Laurence Westgaph - historian and founder of Liverpool Black History Research Group. Some of the streets under consideration include Falkner Street, Bold Street, Parr Street and Colquitt Street.
Liverpool City Council passed a motion in January 2020 to commit to the placing of plaques and other interpretation to improve understanding of the city’s heritage and its links to slavery. Other locations will be announced in the coming months once the process of identifying suitable areas, obtaining permissions - and in some cases seeking planning approval - is completed.
The council hopes all of the plaques will be installed in the next two years.
Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, described the installation of the plaque as a "milestone moment" for Liverpool's reconciliation with its past. She said: “As a city we pledged to be open and transparent about this city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, and the plaques are an important step forward. This understanding of our past is key, and only when we fully acknowledge and accept it, can we move forward.
“The unveiling takes place in the same month as Liverpool Against Racism – a powerful and unique event which will shine a spotlight on the racism and discrimination endemic in today’s society. I am proud to have two high-profile activities take place within the space of a month which address our past, but also look ahead to the future and spotlight progressive, impactful anti-racist practices.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in making these plaques a reality and their commitment to telling the truth about Liverpool’s history.”
Liverpool Against Racism will take place from April 24-30. Described by the council as a "city-wide statement of solidarity against racism and hate", it will include a music day and conference.
