original drawing by Anne Sassoon

Abolitionist

c. 1 October 1788 – after 1833

Education 

Did not attend a formal school.

Took classes at the Moravian Church in Antigua at age 27 where she learned to read.

Some Key Achievements and Interests

Activist for slaves in the 1830s.

Author of The History of Mary Prince, A West Indian Slave, Related by Herself; published 1831, the first published slave narrative.

The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 was re-introduced in Parliament coming into force on 1 August 1834.

Inspired other enslaved people to share their stories.

Issues

Enslaved by five different people throughout her lifetime; began work at age 12.

Moved throughout her life where her slave owners lived, being separated from her family who were also enslaved people.

Put up for auction multiple times.

She failed in her petition to be freed from her last slave ‘owner’ Wood to be able to return to her husband in Antigua.

Connection to Bloomsbury

Taken to Bloomsbury with the 5^th family she was enslaved to.

Female networks

Susanna Strickland compiled Mary’s story, listening to Mary tell her story and writing down what she thought was most important. The story is therefore an edited version.

Writing/Publication

1831 The History of Mary Prince, A West Indian Slave, Related by Herself London:F Westley & A H Davies

Further reading: