Brodsworth Hall and Slavery

Ms S and I visited Brodsworth Hall this afternoon, primarily visit the rose garden. It is an English Heritage property near to Doncaster, close to the A1. We have been many times in the past but it was only on today's visit that we realised that it was built upon the profits from slavery, thanks to a new sculpture trail around the grounds and gardens.
The wire sculptures are by Carl Gabriel who was commissioned to produce a series of sculptures to be placed on vacant plinths, where once stood sculptures in Greco-Roman style. They each illustrate different aspects of the slave trade and the link to Brodsworth and are accompanied by information boards that give more details. Ironically the two boats part owned by the person who built Brodsworth were named 'Liberty' and 'Lottery'. The Africans captured and imprisoned on them lost both.
We were very impressed with the way that the history of the acquired wealth was presented to emphasise how the profits of human suffering were used to create the opulence of privilege. On a beautiful sunny day in the splendid gardens, the contrast could not be more marked. The stories of those who worked to build and maintain the house and gardens are also told with photographs and recorded oral histories. We came away relaxed and stimulated to think and explore more.