Focus on the BIG picture.
Monday, Mar 17, 2025
Outside the box.
Dyrham Park and the Reckoning with Britain's Colonial Past
The historic estate grapples with its legacy as debates intensify over the portrayal of colonial history in Britain's national narrative.
Dyrham Park, a 17th-century mansion situated in the Bath countryside, houses carved figures that depict kneeling Black men, chained at the ankles and neck.
These figures, holding scallop shells above their heads, serve as stark reminders of England's historical ties to colonization and slavery.
Alison Copper, a local volunteer at the estate, points out that such objects, previously considered merely decorative, now provoke critical reflection on the values of the past.
William Blathwayt, the mansion's former owner, was involved in the administration of England's colonial trade, serving as secretary of the Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Although he did not own slaves, his role ensured that financial benefits flowed from the colonies to Britain.
The present-day Dyrham Park reflects the wealth generated during this era, as the estate's current configuration was largely financed through Blathwayt's colonial activities.
Dyrham Park is one of the approximately 500 properties overseen by the National Trust, which was established in 1895 to conserve England’s heritage.
In its 2020 assessment, the Trust identified 93 properties, including Dyrham Park, as having connections to colonization and slavery.
The institution has begun enhancing its digital offerings and visitor information to better contextualize its properties’ histories.
A 2024 survey by the National Centre for Social Research revealed that only 64 percent of Britons reported pride in their national history, a significant drop from 86 percent in 2013. This evolving sentiment towards British identity has spurred organizations such as Heirs of Slavery to advocate for reparative justice for former colonies and formally apologize for the transatlantic slave trade.
Bristol historian Edson Burton highlights a shift in the British narrative, recognizing that voices from the Commonwealth are increasingly contributing to discussions about national identity.
He notes that the public is beginning to question historical figures previously celebrated uncritically.
Contrasting opinions emerge from voices within the politically active right-wing, particularly from Nigel Farage and the Reform UK party, who criticize what they term the 'anti-woke' movement.
Farage has expressed concern that current educational narratives portray Britain’s imperial past solely as a negative legacy, arguing for a more balanced representation.
Cornelia van der Poll, a co-founder of Restore Trust, an organization advocating for a more traditional narrative at National Trust properties, argues that the current emphasis on slavery and colonialism may overshadow other significant historical aspects of these locations.
Restore Trust seeks to influence leadership within the National Trust to restore balance in storytelling.
Tom Boden, the manager at Dyrham Park, supports the initiative to include a comprehensive view of history, highlighting the importance of contextualizing accounts of empire and colonialism within the Trust's mission.
He asserts that understanding figures like Blathwayt is essential to discussing the legacy of colonialism accurately.
In addition to addressing historical narratives, institutions across the UK are reexamining their approaches to artefacts acquired during colonial times.
Patricia Allan, a curator at Glasgow Life Museums, has focused her career on the ethical return of artefacts to their countries of origin.
Glasgow Life is part of a broader movement among museums to reassess their collections in light of historical injustices.
A notable example includes the Benin Bronzes, a collection of artworks taken from the kingdom of Benin during British colonization in the 19th century.
Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, the government has sought the return of these bronzes.
Other European countries have initiated repatriation projects, while the UK, including institutions like Glasgow Life, continue efforts to address these historical wrongs, though many bronzes remain in British custody.
Community voices, such as Nigerian-Glaswegian artist Jideofor Muotune, emphasize the need for these artefacts to be returned, as they are integral to cultural identity and storytelling.
The ongoing discussions surrounding Dyrham Park and the Benin Bronzes highlight a complex and evolving narrative about Britain’s colonial past and its implications for the present.
These figures, holding scallop shells above their heads, serve as stark reminders of England's historical ties to colonization and slavery.
Alison Copper, a local volunteer at the estate, points out that such objects, previously considered merely decorative, now provoke critical reflection on the values of the past.
William Blathwayt, the mansion's former owner, was involved in the administration of England's colonial trade, serving as secretary of the Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Although he did not own slaves, his role ensured that financial benefits flowed from the colonies to Britain.
The present-day Dyrham Park reflects the wealth generated during this era, as the estate's current configuration was largely financed through Blathwayt's colonial activities.
Dyrham Park is one of the approximately 500 properties overseen by the National Trust, which was established in 1895 to conserve England’s heritage.
In its 2020 assessment, the Trust identified 93 properties, including Dyrham Park, as having connections to colonization and slavery.
The institution has begun enhancing its digital offerings and visitor information to better contextualize its properties’ histories.
A 2024 survey by the National Centre for Social Research revealed that only 64 percent of Britons reported pride in their national history, a significant drop from 86 percent in 2013. This evolving sentiment towards British identity has spurred organizations such as Heirs of Slavery to advocate for reparative justice for former colonies and formally apologize for the transatlantic slave trade.
Bristol historian Edson Burton highlights a shift in the British narrative, recognizing that voices from the Commonwealth are increasingly contributing to discussions about national identity.
He notes that the public is beginning to question historical figures previously celebrated uncritically.
Contrasting opinions emerge from voices within the politically active right-wing, particularly from Nigel Farage and the Reform UK party, who criticize what they term the 'anti-woke' movement.
Farage has expressed concern that current educational narratives portray Britain’s imperial past solely as a negative legacy, arguing for a more balanced representation.
Cornelia van der Poll, a co-founder of Restore Trust, an organization advocating for a more traditional narrative at National Trust properties, argues that the current emphasis on slavery and colonialism may overshadow other significant historical aspects of these locations.
Restore Trust seeks to influence leadership within the National Trust to restore balance in storytelling.
Tom Boden, the manager at Dyrham Park, supports the initiative to include a comprehensive view of history, highlighting the importance of contextualizing accounts of empire and colonialism within the Trust's mission.
He asserts that understanding figures like Blathwayt is essential to discussing the legacy of colonialism accurately.
In addition to addressing historical narratives, institutions across the UK are reexamining their approaches to artefacts acquired during colonial times.
Patricia Allan, a curator at Glasgow Life Museums, has focused her career on the ethical return of artefacts to their countries of origin.
Glasgow Life is part of a broader movement among museums to reassess their collections in light of historical injustices.
A notable example includes the Benin Bronzes, a collection of artworks taken from the kingdom of Benin during British colonization in the 19th century.
Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, the government has sought the return of these bronzes.
Other European countries have initiated repatriation projects, while the UK, including institutions like Glasgow Life, continue efforts to address these historical wrongs, though many bronzes remain in British custody.
Community voices, such as Nigerian-Glaswegian artist Jideofor Muotune, emphasize the need for these artefacts to be returned, as they are integral to cultural identity and storytelling.
The ongoing discussions surrounding Dyrham Park and the Benin Bronzes highlight a complex and evolving narrative about Britain’s colonial past and its implications for the present.
