The Abolition of Slavery bill was carried by 283 to 16 on 23rd February 1807! Spontaneous applause acknowledging William Wilberforce’s 20 year effort was quite unprecedented and the bill received royal ascent on 25th March 1807. Although many fought the abolition of slavery there is no doubt that the Christian faith, prayers and brilliant parliamentary speeches of Wilberforce awoke the conscience of Britain and the world.
The final Emancipation Bill was not passed until 26th July 1833 as Wilberforce lay on his death bed. When he heard the news he said, “Thank God that I have witnessed a day in which England is willing to give 20 millions sterling for the abolition of slavery.” He died only 3 days later aged 73 at 3am on Monday 29th July 1833.