The Seven Stars Pub

About this episode

The episode explores the historical significance of the Seven Stars pub in Bristol and its role in the abolitionist movement.

The Seven Stars Pub Season: 7 Episode: 11 Hidden in Redcliffe, Bristol, the Seven Stars pub isn’t just a place for a pint—it’s a site of history. In the late eighteenth century, its landlord, William Thompson, quietly helped sailors returning from brutal Atlantic voyages and welcomed the abolitionist Thomas Clarkson as he gathered evidence against the slave trade. From this unassuming tavern, stories of suffering and courage spread, helping fuel the campaign that would eventually end Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Today, the Seven Stars stands as a reminder of the quiet heroes who helped change history, one conversation at a time. CAST Thomas Clarkson - Steve Sheperd Seven Stars - Sam Roberts THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic , you’ll find lots of things to choose from. So, thankyou for listening and until…

People in this episode

Guests: Steve Sheperd, Sam Roberts

Topics covered

• history
• abolition
• slavery
• pub culture
• Bristol

Keywords

• Seven Stars Pub
• Thomas Clarkson
• Bristol
• abolitionist
• slave trade
• history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bristol Radical History Group, Seven Stars, Bristol Slave Trade Trail, We Share the Same Moon

Places: Redcliffe, Bristol

More episodes of The BackTracker History Show

• Victorian Street Sweepers · June 8, 2026 · 24 min
• Christina Keith: Frontline Teacher · June 1, 2026 · 32 min
• Capt. Bertram Dickson: Aviating Pioneer · May 25, 2026 · 27 min
• Inverness · May 4, 2026 · 22 min
• The Horfield Horror · April 27, 2026 · 24 min
• Titanic’s Bristolians (pt2) · April 20, 2026 · 24 min