Inventory and Valuation of Airy Castle estate, Jamaica, 1819.
This inventory lists the monetary assets on Airy Castle estate, Jamaica, belonging to George Grant of Forres at the time of his death in 1819. The list details “property” including stock, land and slaves. The 115 slaves are listed by name with age, condition, occupation and valuation of each detailed. The estate is valued at £16,831, £10,305 of which is slaves.
Writing Ideas
This list of slaves and their monetary values makes uncomfortable reading. Pick someone from this list and write about life from his or her perspective
In addition to the issue of skin colour this ‘inventory of possessions’ highlights many other inequalities including the perceived difference in value between men and women or between the young and the old. Write a short essay giving your opinion on whether attitudes have changed since this was written.
Document Ref: GB0232/D766/5/6/1/2
