Clapham in Lambeth in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

William Wilberforce and ‘The Clapham Sect’

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 28, 2026

1. William Wilberforce and ‘The Clapham Sect’ Marker

Inscription.
William Wilberforce and ‘The Clapham Sect’ worshipped in this church. Their campaigning resulted in the abolition of slavery in the British dominions, 1833.

Erected 1984 by Greater London Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.

Location. 51° 27.744′ N, 0° 8.538′ W. Marker is in Lambeth, England, in Greater London. It is in Clapham. It is on Clapham Common. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lambeth, England SW4 0QZ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Graham Greene (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Clapham Parochial School (about 120 meters

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away); The Lodge (about 120 meters away); Roman Plinth (about 120 meters away); Ruth Ling (about 120 meters away); Clapham Library (about 120 meters away); Marie Kendall (about 150 meters away); John Francis Bentley (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lambeth.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Wilberforce, William (1759-1833) (English Heritage). Excerpt:

It’s exceptional for a church to be marked by a plaque, but the historical significance of Clapham’s Holy Trinity Church – or a particular group of its worshippers – was thought to merit commemoration. The church was built in 1776–8 and became the centre of the Clapham Sect between 1792 and 1814.

Led by William Wilberforce, the Sect was a group of evangelical Anglicans who successfully campaigned for the abolition of slavery in British territories. The Act of Parliament received royal assent in 1833 and came into force in 1834. The apprenticeship system, which bound slaves to their ex-owners, was finally abolished in 1838.

The ‘Saints’ – as they were known – were
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 28, 2026

2. William Wilberforce and ‘The Clapham Sect’ Marker - wide view
The plaque is visible here in the foyer at the front right of the church.
also concerned to improve moral standards in Britain and to spread the Christian message abroad. The group was composed largely of figures who lived in Clapham, including Charles Grant (1746–1823), Director of the East India Company, and the philanthropist Zachary Macaulay. They were involved in the founding of the Church Missionary Society (1799) and the Bible Society (1804), and set up its own evangelical journal, the Christian Observer, in 1802.

(Submitted on April 17, 2026.)

Additional keywords. blue plaque

William Wilberforce and ‘The Clapham Sect’ Marker - wider view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 28, 2026

3. William Wilberforce and ‘The Clapham Sect’ Marker - wider view

View of Holy Trinity Church, built 1776-78.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 17, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.