British Navy Sails Against Slavery

The parliamentary act which abolished the slave trade in Britain became law in 1807 and decreed that British involvement in slave trading must end by 1 January 1808.

In order to enforce the legislation, the Admiralty established a West Africa anti-slavery squadron.

Initially though its work was short lived, as Britain became involved in a war with America (1812-15) and all available ships were required to fight there.