Historic anti-slavery arch conserved for future generations
Britain’s oldest anti-slavery memorial, built in 1834 to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, has been repaired and restored.
Some £42,000-worth stone repairs and cleaning to the Grade II* Listed monument were carried out by a specialist contractor for Stroud District Council which owns the arch.
The arch, originally constructed at the entrance of anti-slavery campaigner Henry Wyatt’s Farmhill Park estate (now the Paganhill estate), holds significant historical value.
In 2021 the council launched a review in 2021 of monuments, buildings and street names in the district. A taskforce recognised the arch’s importance to the district’s history and recommended enhancing its focus and significance, considering its historic and tourism potential.
Last year two new walking routes were established between the arch and the Blackboy Clock and statue in Stroud, which dates to the height of the Transatlantic slave trade. An interpretation board was installed near the Blackboy Clock and statue in December 2024, and this week it has been repaired after a minor flaw in its construction was identified.
Stroud District Council Head of Property Services Alison Fisk said: “The arch is a nationally important monument which Stroud District Council carefully conserves and maintains. We are pleased that we have been able to invest in its preservation for future generations.”
History of the Archway Arch
1807 Buying and selling slaves became illegal in the British Empire, although people could still own slaves
1833 Slavery fully abolished in the British Empire
1834 Archway Arch built to commemorate the abolition of slavery
1960-61 restored by Stroud District Council at a cost of £1,000
1962 Archway School opened
2001 Restoration after Stroud Preservation Trust raises £25,000 for a community project which include major stone repairs, a bronze plaque and community play
2007 Upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* listing
2021 Community review recommended the council progresses plans to restore the arch
2025 Restoration complete
ENDS
Background Information
REPORT OF THE REVIEW PANEL: Review of street or building names and monuments in the Stroud District