Liverpool researchers find 1805 advert for slaver's ship

An advert for a 19th-century British slaver's ship has been discovered in Liverpool, where a site once at the centre of the transatlantic trade in enslaved people is being transformed into a contemplation space highlighting a long-hidden history.

- Chris Osuh

The Liverpool Black History Research Group (LBHRG) found the advert for the Metis dated 25 July 1805 while looking into the history of Canning Dock on the River Mersey as part of work commissioned by National Museums Liverpool.

The 220-year-old ad, which was placed in Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser, reads: "Apply to Lake and Brown: We have on sale by private contract the remarkably fast sailing ship Metis, Liverpool built, about nine years old, copper fastened on the stocks, is very well found and will carry by the present act, about 185 slaves. Now lying in No 3, graving dock, where she may be inspected."