The British Empire virtually began in the islands of the West Indies - and for 200 years they were its richest possession. The wealth of the islands came from sugar cane which provided sugar to sweeten the tea tables of Britain, and rum to enliven its taverns. To work the plantations millions of slaves were brought from Africa - and on this trade ports like Bristol, Liverpool and London grew rich.
Huge fortunes were made by the planters who came home from the West Indies to buy country estates, to build magnificent houses, to marry into the aristocracy, and to push their interest in Parliament.
To protect the sugar islands from rival European powers hundreds of thousands of British soldiers and sailors died. Great admirals like Benbow, Vernon, and Rodney made their names there - and Nelson fought his first battles.
The plantation system was efficient and flourishing, but an Empire built on sugar could only last as long as its principal support - the labour of the slaves - was taken for granted...
