7. Olaudah Equiano, writer and abolitionist (1745-97)

The first political leader of Britain’s black community, Equiano was born in Nigeria and kidnapped by slave traders at the age of 11. A plaque was unveiled in October 2000 to celebrate his role in the abolition of slavery. He lived at 73 Riding House Street, W1, where he wrote his autobiography, the 'Interesting Narrative'. (Reproduced with permission from Royal Albert Museum, Exeter)

Olaudah Equiano, writer and abolitionist (1745-97)