White Slavery at Probus

John Kerwin

BRITAIN’S WHITE SLAVES:

A TALE OF PIRACY

Seemingly endless headlines about historical slavery, and calls for reparation, have been impossible to miss in recent weeks. King Charles has witnessed protests during his visit to the Caribbean, and PM Andy Burnham opened the door to a formal apology on behalf of the UK for its role in the slave trade.

This Thursday (Nov 12th), Audlem PROBUS Club members will hear about a lesser-known aspect of of slavery – how piracy led to many thousands of white slaves being held in North Africa!

Salford-born John Kerwin’s illustrated talk traces the spread of piracy from the Mediterranean into Northern Europe and the UK.

He says: “I look at the plight of the million or so captured white slaves transported to North Africa, the government response and the final resolution. You will wonder why you don’t know more about this amazing period in our history.”

John, who now lives in Knutsford, has presented technical papers around the world after a 50-year career in Material Sciences. Now he takes audiences from many different societies and groups through significant events from history via his illustrated talks.

Guests and visitors are welcome to join the retired business and professional men and women who make up Audlem PROBUS Club for John’s revelations about Britain’s white slaves this Thursday (Nov 12th), Audlem Public Hall, from 10am.