Clapham Sect

The Clapham Sect or The Saints, as they were actually known whilst active from 1790-1830, were a group of wealthy Evangelical Christians, brought together by John Venn, the rector of Holy Trinity Church, Clapham. With strong links to the Anti-Slavery Society, they fought for the total abolition of slavery, as well as helping establish and fund a number of organisations including The National Gallery, The Bettering Society, The Bible Society and the RSPCA. All the members preached philanthropy and the importance of charity and moral guidance for the poor, which they saw as one of their main Christian duties.