In recognition of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, which is being observed from January 2007 to January 2008, we are highlighting this year the records in our custody that relate to slaves and slavery in general. These records fall into several categories, the main ones being:

With the system of slavery existing until 1834, and by extension apprenticeship, which ended in 1838, many records pertaining to this period of history can be found in the collection of the Jamaica Archives.  However, there are two series of records devoted entirely to the slave population while there are several other collections in which slaves figure prominently. In addition, there are several contemporary official publications in which information on slaves can be found.

Manumission of Slaves, 1747 – 1838 (1B/11/6):  Records of deeds freeing slaves from bondage.  There are two index volumes in which entries are recorded under the name of the manumitter and not of the person being manumitted.  Volume 70 of the collection highlights the release of persons from the system of apprenticeship.

Registers of Returns of Slaves, 1817 – 1832 (1B/11/7):  These volumes, made triennially detail the returns of the number, class and condition of the slaves held by each slave owner. They were prepared in accordance with “An Act for a more particular return of slaves in this island and the enrolment thereof”. (1818)

The registers, one hundred and forty-one (141) in total, are indexed according to parishes and are listed under the slave owners’ names.

Other records in which slaves figure prominently are

Inventories, 1674 – 1881 (1B/11/3):  These volumes contain listings of the assets (inventories) of the estate of deceased individuals.  As slaves were part of the assets, they were listed (name, age etc.) along with other valuables such as stock and furniture)

Local Government Records:  These records deal with the administrative procedures from the local parish capitals.  Although the English established Civil Government in Jamaica in 1661, the earliest surviving Local Government record in the collection  date back to 1735 and it is for the parish of Port Royal.  

This collection of records include the surviving records of the Vestries, Municipal Boards, Parochial Boards and Parish Council minutes for seventeen (17) parishes – St. Thomas-ye-Vale, St. Catherine, St. James, Hanover, Trelawny, Kingston and St. Andrew, Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Ann, St. Elizabeth, Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Manchester, St. George, Port Royal and St. David.  Slave related information that may be found in some of the records pertain to the sale and transfer of slaves, returns of slaves and slave trials. . An example is the

 ‘Toll Book for Slaves Sold’, Kingston 1738 -43‘ (2/6/272);

 ‘Receivals and Delivery of Slaves’, 1826 – 1834 St Thomas In the Vale  (2/1/4)

Printed Material

Returns of Proprietors, Properties, &c. in The Jamaica Almanac 1818, 1821 – 1824, 1832:  These sections of the Almanacs contain lists of the number of slaves and stock on a property.  They are arranged according to parishes under the name of the property owner. 

Laws of Jamaica (1681 – 1847):  Legislation passed by the House of Assembly, which governed the island.   There are numerous laws relating to the control of the slave population

Votes of Assembly (1787 – 1865):  Published summaries of the meetings and decisions of various committees of the House of Assembly dealing with the daily operations of the island.  Numerous references to slaves

Church Records

Parish Registers (1B/11/8):  These are registers of baptisms, marriages and burials, mainly of the Church of England in Jamaica, which are listed according to parishes. While entries can be found for the baptisms, marriages and burials of slaves in some of the general registers, there are several registers which deal specifically with the slaves. Some of these registers are:

Baptisms St. Andrew 1826 – 1834 (1B/11/8/1/3); Baptisms, St. Ann, 1817 –26 (1B/11/8/2/3) Baptisms, St. Thomas the Vale, 1824 – 34 (1B/11/8/3); Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, St Elizabeth1826 – 34 (1B/11/8/6/3); Baptisms, St James, 1827 – 29 (1B/11/8/8/2), Baptisms, Marriage and Burials, Manchester, 1827 – 34 (1B/11/8/10/3); Burial of Slaves, Port Royal, 1826 – 31 (1B/11/8/13/13)

This collection is diversified and interesting as it entails records and printed items from individuals and institutions, Included in this collection are papers of estates, which detail the ages, names and tasks of the slave population.  Some examples are

• Marriage Certificate of two slaves on Montrose Pen, St Mary 30 May, 1824.(7/4/1)
• Journal, Accounts and inventory of slaves, Harmony  Hall, Trelawney, 1829 -30 (7/56/3)
• List of slaves on Green Castle Pen with their age, occupation and condition on 1st January 1834 (4/43/8
• Power of Attorney to contract for the purchase of slaves in Cooper’s Hill Plantation ….24 Oct, 1818 (7/38/89)
• Mortgage of 45 slaves upon Maverley plantation…” for securing £3000 and Interest and further advances” 30 January 1824 (7/38/61)
• Bill of Sale “of twenty negroes” Consideration  £1023 10th November, 1764 (7/14/(BRA 1235)/7)