We Were There

Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa (c.1745-1797)

Olaudah Equiano was born in a village in Nigeria. At the age of 11 he was abducted and sold into slavery. He was eventually sold to a British Naval Officer and worked as a seaman who renamed him as Gustavus Vassa. During the Seven Year War (1756-1763), Equiano served as a powder carrier with the Royal Navy. In 1776 Equiano bought his freedom and he continued to make a living at sea and also became significantly involved in the movement for the abolition of slavery. In 1789 he published his autobiography. He died on 31st March 1797.




Portrait of Olaudah Equiano, 1780s, (previously attributed to Joshua Reynolds) by English School (18th century) Courtesy of: Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, Devon (EX17082)