Benjamin Lay was an English-born writer, farmer and activist. Born in Copford, Essex into a Quaker family, he underwent an apprenticeship as a glovemaker before running away to London and finding work as a sailor. In 1718, Lay moved to the British colony of Barbados, which operated a plantation economy dependent on slave labour. While working as a merchant, his shock at the brutal treatment of slaves in Barbados led Lay to develop lifelong abolitionist principles, which were reinforced by his humanitarian ideals and Quaker beliefs.
- Occupation
- abolitionist, philanthropist, writer, sailor
- Citizenship
- Kingdom of Great Britain
- Born
- January 26, 1682, 1677, 1681
- Died
- February 3, 1759
