William Ewart Gladstone, born in Liverpool’s Rodney Street, served as Prime Minister for 12 years across four terms between 1868 and 1894, and is viewed as one of Britain’s most prominent former statesmen. He has now been ‘cancelled’ by the University of Liverpool.
In a statement the University of Liverpool said that it wanted to send a clear message to its BAME students and staff and that it would work with them to “agree an appropriate alternative name for the hall.”
A University spokesperson said:
“We share in the shame that our city feels because its prosperity was significantly based upon a slave economy.
The University of Liverpool is a member of Universities Studying Slavery which includes an acknowledgement of and pledge to explore our own legacies.
Our Centre for the Study of International Slavery works closely with the City’s International Slavery Museum and undertakes important research into modern slavery.
Gladstone Hall is part of the Greenbank site and was demolished and recently rebuilt.
We have an important opportunity to send a clear message about the commitments we have made to our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and student community and the University will work with the Guild of Students and with staff and student groups to agree an appropriate alternative name for the hall.”
Greenbank Student Village, on Greenbank Lane, was formerly known as Roscoe and Gladstone Halls prior to its recent renovation, however one of the buildings in the accommodation retained Gladstone’s name.
A number of other buildings across Liverpool and surrounding areas have his name, including the William Gladstone pub on North John Street in Liverpool city centre.
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