NATIONAL Trust bosses do not want to ‘censor’ Wentworth Castle’s links to the slave trade.
Inside the orangery of the estate is an ornament of an African slave in a feather skirt, kneeling with a sun dial above his head.
Thomas Wentworth, who owned the estate, helped negotiate a treaty which gave Britain the monopoly on the transportation of slaves from Africa to America.
The site, now run by the National Trust, said they are not attempting to hide the site’s links to the slave trade.
A spokesperson said: “At Wentworth Castle Gardens, there is a sun dial of a kneeling black slave which highlights the legacy of African enslavement and the estate’s historic links to the slave trade and empire.
“The National Trust looks after places and collections that are linked to world histories, which we know can cause upset and anger.
“We don’t want to censor or deny the way colonial histories are woven into the fabric of our places.
“We have a lot of work to do to ensure these are fully explored and we are working with partners to address this, through our exhibitions and interpretation work, bringing out the often painful and challenging histories attached to places like Wentworth Castle Gardens.
“At Wentworth Castle Gardens, information has been updated and refreshed for the sundial, and additional warnings are given at the two entrances to the conservatory where the statue resides in order to provide an opportunity for visitors to make a conscious choice as to whether they wish to view the statue.
“The way that the object is presented and interpreted will continue to be reviewed as part of our work with our partners and local communities, as we take into account a range of perspectives and voices.”
