William Knibb was born in Kettering and went to the grammar school. He was keen to do missionary work and sailed to Jamaica in 1824 with his wife to work as a school master.

He played a significant part in the abolition of slavery movement. In the early 19th century, a lot of the sugar for the British Empire came from Jamaica, and most of the work was done by slaves. In discussions about working conditions, Knibb took the side of the slaves and emancipators.

In 1832 he travelled back to England to advocate the abolition of slavery and his efforts helped bring about an Act of Parliament in 1834 to abolish slavery in the colonies.

For more information on William Knibb why not visit Kettering museum and find out more?

See also:
1780: Death of Ignatius Sancho, anti-slavery campaigner