Rare slave gun on display at Wilberforce House Museum
Wilberforce House Museum has secured the loan of a rare 18th century musket to add to its popular slave trade displays
The rare slave gun example, on loan from British Empire and Commonwealth Museum, is a Brown Bess musket dating from the 18th century. It was made by Thomas Barnett of London and has been adapted by its West African owner who decorated it with cloth, leather fringe, cowrie shells, brass bands, beads and seed pods.
The firearm is on display in the museum’s Transatlantic Slave Trade Gallery along with many other fascinating trade items.
Councillor Kalvin Neal, Portfolio Holder for Quality of Life said: “It is excellent to secure a loan such as this from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum. It is a rare slave trade musket and so we are pleased to have this on display in Wilberforce House Museum. It further highlights another interesting element of the history of the British slave trade.”
It is estimated that between 283,000 and 394,000 guns were imported into West Africa each year between 1750 and 1807 but few have survived.
Wilberforce House Museum, the birthplace and home of former Hull MP and Slavery Abolitionist, William Wilberforce, was re-opened to the public last year on 25th March 2007 by the Prime Minister of Barbados following a £1.6 million capital funded refurbishment.
The new look museum, designed to make Slavery and Abolition relevant to Hull and its visitors in the 21st Century, features new displays and interactive exhibits.
The museum’s reopening coincided with commemorations marking the bicentenary of the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807.
John Hughes, Wilberforce project manager said, “As we approach our first anniversary of the Wilberforce House Museum refurbishment we are delighted to have this opportunity to display such a rare example of a slave trade musket. The gun is in excellent condition and is displayed in its own showcase. Visitors will be able to view it along with the many other fascinating trade items already on display in this gallery.”
Admission to Wilberforce House Museum and all Hull Museums is FREE. The museums are open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
Published: 4/03/08
