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Conversation about the Jamaican insurance documents (1782 – 1783)

This conversation takes its starting point from an insurance policy and a bill of lading of 1782-1783 for goods produced by enslaved people being shipped from Jamaica to London. These documents were purchased by Lloyd’s for its Collection, c.1956.

These two administrative documents of insurance show the financial mechanisms of the slave economy. This conversation, with a colleague with ancestors from Jamaica, discusses their significance and the issues raised by understanding the past.

Items in Collection

Read our factsheet

This factsheet provides further information about the Jamaican insurance policy and Bill of Lading which are in the Lloyd’s Collection. 

Please be aware some of the content may contain harmful language which may cause distress.