Slavery

Slavery

Although many record of the slave trade were destroyed with the abolition of slavery in 1807 there is evidence that it continued in the Dale in to the 19th century. The Sill family were residents of Dent, residing in Westhouse (Now known as Whernside Manor). It is possible that Edmund Sill built Whernside Manor through the profits produced by Slave trade.

Both Edmund Sill and Miles Mason invested in Slave Carrying ships; Edmunds brother John also had half shares in two ships named “The Pickering” and “The Dent”. The Sill family also owned a plantation in Jamaica which allowed them to generate their wealth and reside in Westhouse. The Sill family owned up to 180 Slaves.

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