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With exclusive access to new research, David Olusoga reveals how thousands more people became slave traders and how their profits were invested in Britain鈥檚 towns and industries.

David Olusoga reveals how the end of the royal monopoly and the expansion of the trade was the 'big bang' moment in the story of the slave trade. In the 18th century, the trade in enslaved Africans would reach its peak as it expanded out of the royal court to provincial towns and ports across the country, with thousands of new investors.

Release date:

59 minutes

On TV

Mon 28 Sep 2026 21:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Olusoga
Expert Malik Al Nasir
Expert Michael Bennett
Expert Jerry Brotton
Expert Lila O'Leary Chambers
Expert Helen Paul
Expert William Pettigrew
Expert Nick Radburn
Expert Edmond Smith
Expert Kimberley Thomas
Director Francis Welch
Producer Kat Feavers
Production Manager Tejumade Oluokun
Executive Producer David Olusoga
Executive Producer Sanjay Singhal
Production Company Voltage TV
Production Company Hillgate Films

Broadcasts