Records of enslaved individuals in former British colonies made searchable online

The Guardian · September 22, 2026Original source ↗

What happened

Nearly 4 million records documenting the lives of enslaved people across 20 former British colonies have been digitized and are now available online. This project was undertaken by the genealogy company Ancestry in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery at University College London.

Why it matters

This resource allows researchers and the public to access important historical data regarding the lives of enslaved individuals.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are researching family history in former British colonies?

This resource provides unprecedented access to records that can help trace ancestry and understand personal connections to the history of slavery. It allows individuals to uncover details about their ancestors' lives and experiences during a significant historical period.

How does this story affect you if you are studying the legacies of slavery and colonialism?

Access to these records supports academic research and public education on the impacts of slavery. This could enhance discussions and understanding of historical injustices and their ongoing effects in contemporary society.

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