Thomas Clarkson

Date of Birth: March 28, 1760

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 26, 1846

Biography

Thomas Clarkson was an influential English abolitionist and a leading campaigner against the transatlantic slave trade. Born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, Clarkson was the son of a reverend and was educated at St John’s College, Cambridge. His strong moral convictions and dedication to social justice were evident early on in his life. Clarkson became deeply committed to the anti-slavery cause after winning an essay competition in 1785 on the topic of slavery, which spurred him to devote his life to the abolitionist movement. Clarkson played a crucial role in the formation of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, collaborating with other notable abolitionists such as William Wilberforce and Granville Sharp. Through tireless research, gathering evidence, and organizing public opinion, Clarkson significantly contributed to the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807. His efforts did not stop there; he continued to work towards the abolition of slavery itself, which was eventually achieved in the British Empire in 1833. Clarkson’s dedication to the cause was showcased in his extensive travels across Britain to collect testimonies and evidence against the slave trade. His works, including the influential “An Essay on the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species,” provided critical information that swayed public opinion and parliamentary votes.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas Clarkson

1. Thomas Clarkson traveled over 35,000 miles on horseback across Britain to gather evidence and eyewitness accounts against the slave trade.

2. He was instrumental in founding the Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1787.

3. Clarkson helped to create the iconic seal for the abolitionist movement, which featured the image of a kneeling slave with the caption, “Am I not a Man and a Brother?”

4. He amassed a collection of physical evidence, including chains, shackles, and branding irons, which he used to persuade influential figures of the horrors of slavery.

5. Clarkson’s essay on slavery, which won him the prize at Cambridge, was titled “An Essay on the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species, Particularly the African.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas Clarkson

1. “It appears first, that the very act of slavery is the highest violation of the law of nature.”

2. “Truth, however, well established and clear, is not always powerful enough to overcome the prejudices and interests of men.”

3. “I regard the slave-trade as an act of the most unjust and cruel nature, and as the greatest practical evil that ever afflicted the human race.”

4. “The ‘middle passage,’ as it is called, is one of the most frightful episodes in the history of human suffering.”

5. “We cannot suppose God to have made an express law against murder, and at the same time to have told man, that he might cause the death of thousands.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Thomas Clarkson did not achieve significant personal wealth from his work; his highest net worth would be considered modest as he dedicated his life to activism rather than financial gain.

Children

Thomas Clarkson had one son, Thomas Clarkson Jr., born in 1796. His son followed in his footsteps, sharing his father’s passion for social reform and continuing the legacy of advocacy for justice.