The Inn at which Thomas Clarkson found assistance in his campaign against the Slave Trade The Landord Mr Thompson was described by Clarkson as a very intelligent man who was accustomed to receive sailors when discharged at the end of their voyages, to board them and find them berths on other ships. He avoided all connection with the slave trade, declaring that the credit of his house would be ruined if he was known to send those who put themselves under his care, into it.
With Thompson as a guide, Clarkson made nineteen visits to various public houses in Marsh Street which were frequented by masters of slavers to pick up hands. From his own observations and from information given him by Thompson, Clarkson was assured that his suspicions were correct, and that crews were obtained by lies and fraud.
With thanks to Mark Steeds and the Bristol Radical History Group.