Target age range: Key Stage 3

This local study involves contested history. The enquiry is framed around a piece of cultural legacy from the Georgian era – a painting to commemorate the philanthropy of a local merchant. However, compelling evidence has been found that, for all his philanthropic works, he was also substantially involved in transatlantic slavery. Students investigated for themselves the complexities of the history of that individual and concluded by writing their own interpretation of his story. In the end, the students’ work was actually placed on display alongside the painting, enabling the students to make a real contribution to public understanding of the past.

All resources attached below.

This resource was written by Paul Wainwright, History and Politics Teacher at The Liverpool Blue Coat School in Liverpool.

Particular thanks to the Liverpool Blue Coat School Foundation for their permission to use images in this resource.

Every effort has been made to trace all image copyright holders for these resources, although occasionally it has not been possible. Please contact Maheema Chanrai at maheema.chanrai@history.org.uk with any queries regarding image use or copyright.