Stone Town

Wednesday One aspect of Stone Town is the historical significance as the eastern point of departure for slaves to Portugal, Britain and Arabic countries. To preserve the actual ground of the slave market, an Anglican church was erected over the spot. In the church, a circular marble design on the low altar marks where the whipping post was located and a table on the side of the altar is made from the stone that the slaves stood upon when they were sold. Behind the high altar the Anglican Bishop who worked for decades to end the practice of slavery is buried. David Livingston was also involved in the work to end slavery; his descends donated the decorative lead glass windows in the church. Dr. Livingston so loved Africa, that when he died, at his request, his heart was removed and is buried under a tree in Africa. His body was then sent back to England for burial.

We walked down the dark narrow stairway to the dungeon. Before the actual slave auction, the men and women (and children) were separated and held up to four days without food or water. This was a method to weed out the strong from the weak. We sat in the women’s side - it would have held about 75 women and numerous children in a space about the size of an average bathroom. But only half the height. Three 12 slits in the wall offered the only air and light. I was overwhelmed sitting there - the space was unimaginable. Can you imagine the fear in that space?