Like many historic churches, Tewkesbury Abbey holds stories that connect this community to the transatlantic slave trade.

To mark Black History Month, we are delighted to host an exhibition developed from research by the University of Gloucestershire, exploring the histories of three local families whose lives were linked to this global story. The research is also available online here.

 •29 September – 12 October.
 •Inside Tewkesbury Abbey.
 •Free entry, open to all.

As part of the exhibition, join us for a special evening event:

Presentation & Panel Discussion

 •Wednesday 8 October, 6:30–8:30pm.
 •With speakers from the Tewkesbury Historical Society and the University of Gloucestershire.
 •Free entry, donations welcome.

This is an opportunity to engage with Tewkesbury’s layered history and reflect on how the past continues to shape our community today.

On Saturday 20th September 2025, we held a special Heritage Open Day at Tewkesbury Town Hall, where the doors were opened to the public for a rare chance to explore this beautiful 18th-century civic building. Visitors discovered the Council Chamber, viewed the historic Codrington portrait, and learned about the building’s connections to local governance and the transatlantic slave trade. Members of Tewkesbury Voices were on hand to share insights into ongoing work around the Retain and Explain initiative. It was a unique opportunity to engage with Tewkesbury’s layered history, from its architecture to its hidden legacies.

We are delighted to share that at Full Council in September 2025, Tewkesbury Town Council approved a new freestanding display in the Council Chamber. The display, featuring a QR code, highlights the Codrington family’s links to the transatlantic slave trade.

The full version of the sign, which provides a more detailed historical context, has now been approved for the Tewkesbury Town Council website and is also available here on the Tewkesbury Voices website. Visitors can read the complete information online, and at a later stage we will also share an image of the freestanding display so that both versions can be viewed online.

In June 2025, Emma from Tewkesbury Voices visited the Old Library at St John’s College, Cambridge, to explore a powerful exhibition featuring rare documents related to British history and the transatlantic slave trade. Her blog highlights key items on display, including the original 1807 bill presented to Parliament by William Wilberforce and the investigative diary of Thomas Clarkson, which played a vital role in the abolition campaign. You can read Emma’s full reflections on this thought-provoking visit here.

On June 22, 2025, Emma, Chair of Tewkesbury Voices, was honoured to speak at Changes in Waves, Windrush 2025: Belonging, Being, Becoming.

It was truly heartwarming to see communities come together to reflect, remember, and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Windrush generation. The event was filled with powerful storytelling, moving drama, heartfelt poetry, beautiful singing, and unforgettable performances, all paying tribute to the strength and resilience of those who journeyed from the Caribbean to help build and shape Britain.

Tewkesbury Voices was proud to be present and involved. Ola, our Vice Chair, warmly welcomed attendees throughout the day, and Derrick, also representing Tewkesbury Voices, joined in the celebration and reflection.

A huge thank you to all the artists, storytellers, organisers, and attendees who made the day so meaningful. Events like this remind us that our diversity is our strength and that every story shared brings us closer to understanding and unity.

#BelongingBeingBecoming #Community #TewkesburyVoices #Windrush #WindrushLegacy

We are grateful to Cameron Thomas MP for submitting an Early Day Motion (EDM 63894) recognising Tewkesbury’s historic links to the transatlantic slave trade. This is a significant step in acknowledging our past and committing to ongoing reflection and dialogue.

The EDM can be read on our website and on the UK Parliament website.

#EDM63894 #Tewkesbury #TewkesburyVoices

We’re delighted to share that Legacies of Slavery in Tewkesbury is on display at Tewkesbury Museum for the month of June and is also available on our website. This thought-provoking exhibition explores the often-overlooked connections between Tewkesbury and the broader legacies of transatlantic slavery.

The display features the powerful work of Ella and Morgan, second-year students from the University of Gloucestershire, who have brought fresh perspectives and deep research to this important topic.

Why not take this opportunity to engage with local history in a new light? Explore Ella and Morgan’s work and reflect on how the past continues to shape our present.

#LegaciesOfSlavery #LocalHistory #RetainAndExplain #TewkesburyMuseum #TewkesburyVoices #UniversityOfGloucestershire