Watch this talk on YouTube, recording links: 159-1: African Enslavement, 159-2 Questions

As Martin Plaut will point out, slavery didn’t end in the 19th century, as is often thought. In fact, chattel slavery continues today in at least five African states.

The Oxford Dictionary definition of ‘chattel’ is: ‘personal possession of an item of property other than freehold land’. The idea of ownership of another human being remains a shocking concept.

Martin was born and brought up in Cape Town before coming to the UK. He worked as Africa Secretary for the Labour Party, then joined the BBC. He retired as Africa Editor of the BBC World Service News.

Martin’s latest book is a groundbreaking new history that illuminates the full story of slavery in Africa – from Ancient Egypt to today.

This talk starts at 11:00am but join us from 10:30am for tea, coffee and cakes.