It is the mid-eighteenth century, a time of fundamental social change. Whilst English ships journey to Africa to purchase slaves for the overseas colonies, its black residents face perilous lives. With their free status neither presumed nor guaranteed under English law, they risk being captured and taken aboard waiting slaver ships, by gangs that roam the streets. But the humanitarians are fighting back. Increasing numbers work tirelessly to abolish the slave trade, and generally improve the condition of the poor. AMIKAE SINLEY , a young slave, has been purchased from a St Kitts plantation and brought to England, to wait on an aristocratic lady. At first, his London life is one of relative privilege; but as he is drawn to the abolitionist movement, the circumstances of the most vulnerable Londoners force him to confront himself, and his priorities...