Descendants of 19th Century British Prime Minister William Gladstone are preparing to make a significant apology for the involvement of their forebear in the slave trade. The family plans to travel to Guyana, South America, where John Gladstone, William’s father, owned plantations and had a considerable stake in the slave trade. This move comes as part of a growing movement to acknowledge historical injustices and seek reconciliation.
John Gladstone’s extensive slave ownership in the British West Indies has prompted his descendants to express their belief that his actions amounted to a “crime against humanity.” Charlie Gladstone, a family member, will lead the delegation of six family members to Guyana from August 24 to 28. This timeframe coincides with the 200th anniversary of the 1823 Demerara rebellion, which began on one of John Gladstone’s plantations. This rebellion is regarded by some historians as having played a role in the ultimate end of slavery.
The Gladstone family’s statement acknowledges that John held people in Guyana in bondage and facilitated indentured labor in the region. They view his deeds as egregious and intend to apologize to the people of Guyana, expressing their hope to contribute to a more equitable future. Their official apology is planned to coincide with the opening of the University of Guyana’s International Institute for Migration and Diaspora Studies, which the family aims to support with a £100,000 grant.
Beyond financial assistance, the family’s gesture underscores a commitment to recognizing the enduring impact of slavery on global health and socio-economic status. Rob Gladstone, Charlie’s brother, calls on the UK government to engage in “reparative justice” by apologizing for the nation’s historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. The Gladstone family’s decision reflects a broader societal movement to confront historical injustices and work toward healing and reconciliation.