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Wealth

Huge profits from the slave trade and other trade made some Bristolians very rich and brought profits to many investors. When great riches are gathered there is sometimes great poverty nearby. This part of the slave trail shows the ability of a few men to spend very large sums of money to show off their wealth and power, alongside very poor people and those living on charity.

The Merchant Venturers dominated Bristol trade and politics for centuries. They were a group of wealthy merchants dedicated to boosting Bristol's trade overseas, including the slave trade and the trade with slave plantations. In King Street they showed off their wealth by publically supporting charity, and by investing in entertainment!

Activities:
We know that there was great wealth generated for some by the slave trade, but there was also great hardship. The activities on the following pages look at the impact on the sailors and their families.