In 1808, a fleet called the West Africa Squadron was formed to patrol the African coast and catch slave ships. In the following decades they seized an estimated 1,600 slave ships and freed a whopping 150,000 Africans slaves.

British ships did capture slaving ships along the West African coast. Other European nations also enforced the blockade but many ships got through to deliver hundreds of thousands of captives to Brazil especially. Once transferred to British ships, captives were not liberated.

The East India Company was the most powerful corporation of all time. It had an army larger than Great Britain's, and its influence shaped the borders of continents. So how did a company become stronger than most countries?🧵

In 1904, tea bags were invented accidentally. Thomas Sullivan decided that it was cheaper to send tea samples to prospective customers in silk bags – rather than boxes. The recipients mistakenly believed they were meant to be dunked and soon Sullivan was inundated with orders.

It was an excellent visit to Vushtrri, thank you Mayor Ferit Idrizi for the warm welcome. It was great to hear about the history, culture and meet businesses. And of course I had to try their famous qebapa and tea.

Lifting the lid on the life of Jonathan, the world's oldest land animal, who is living out his days on St Helena and was in my front garden. walkinglondontours.co.uk/news/the-sex-l…

Packed with catechins like EGCG, green tea is known for reducing inflammation and promoting healthy digestion. @laurenmanaker told EatingWell Magazine, its antioxidants can soothe the digestive tract and relieve gas buildup, helping to reduce bloating. eatingwell.com/best-tea-for-b…

In the US, migration will bring growth, jobs, taxes etc. But the areas where migrants initially settle bear the brunt of providing services. The former will outweigh the latter, but, as in the UK, the narrative will be one-sided. Michael Clemens marketplace.org/2024/09/05/is-…

Shrabani Basu Lisa Honan CBE Yes it’s brilliant. A great concept and the stories need to be heard

Shrabani Basu Lisa Honan CBE Thanks so much , really means a lot to me that u liked it and so fantastic that you came 🙏🏽

If ever the Commonwealth was looking for a purpose, convening conversations around repair must be up there. Candidates to lead Commonwealth urge reparations for slavery and colonialism theguardian.com/world/2024/sep…

On the 80th anniversary of her death, #MI6 remembers Noor Inayat Khan, the first female wireless operator sent into occupied France by the UK’s Special Operations Executive. Noor was courage personified, and we shall always be in awe of her extraordinary service and bravery. #SOE

Where memories collide with history and identity takes center stage. Peter Godwin shares his poignant memoirs, unpacking the layers of displacement and resilience. A session that resonated deeply with every heart. #KolkataLitMeet #Kalam2025 #LitMeet #readiscover #event #kolkata

Dropped in Kolkata Literary Meet to see a special addition with a 🇬🇧 connect in former Governor Governor's Office - St Helena, Ascension & Tristan, Lisa Honan CBE. It is also (embarrassingly 🙈) my first visit to the Horticultural Gardens - I'll be back to explore these beautiful gardens soon.

From delicate nuances to powerful expressions, the evening resonated with the stories and spirit of the women behind Thumri, Dadra and Ghazal. Avanti Patel’s O Gaanewali was a breathtaking tribute to the women of Hindustani classical music. #KolkataLitMeet #Kalam2025 #LitMeet

"This meet hasn’t just survived; it has prospered." Kolkata and KLM have a fan in Peter Godwin! His heartfelt appreciation for the city and the meet is a testament to the magic we create together. #KolkataLitMeet #Kalam2025 #LitMeet #readiscover #event #kolkata #kolkataevents

At #AdvantageAssam2's Tea session attended by Bimal Borah who recently visited UK to promote tbe summit. Few things link our nation's like tea. Many opportunities 🇬🇧 companies in this sector, #infra, #agri, #climate, #tech; contact UKinKolkata🇬🇧🇮🇳 to learn more.

This Saturday, 21 June. Last few tickets available for ‘A London Lark Rising’ : walking theatre about the history of the East India Company in the City of London. Prepare to be amazed! ticketlab.app/events?search=…

Please share. The Caribbean 🇬🇧 Overseas Territory of #Anguilla 🇦🇮 is seeking a new #Attorney General. Applications for this unique role are due by 25 July: gov.ai/service/public…