The University of Nottingham has been accused of “reverse engineering” historical links to slavery by an aristocratic family after a report claimed they profited from them.

The report claims that the 7th Duke of Portland, whose ancestors helped found the university and who was one of its “most distinguished benefactors”, had benefited from the “social capital” of his property-owning ancestor. slaves.

It comes almost 50 years after the Duke’s death in 1977.

Her family criticized the report and said it raised “troubling ethical implications in holding descendants accountable for the actions of their ancestors,” the statement said. Times reported.

The late Duke William Arthur Henry Cavendish-Bentinck was born in 1893, almost 60 years after the abolition of slavery in Britain.

Relatives say there is no evidence of any inheritance of wealth from slavery in their branch of the family.

A source involved in consulting for the report said: “The report appears to ‘reverse engineer’ history in an attempt to establish ‘slavery links’ between a post-abolition university and post-abolition benefactors.

The family, now headed by William Parente, 73, grandson of the 7th Duke, lost their dukedom after the 9th Duke died in 1990 without a male heir.

The report claims that the 7th Duke of Portland (pictured), whose ancestors helped found the university and who was one of its “most distinguished benefactors”, benefited from his ancestor’s “social capital” slave owner.

The Portland Building at the University of Nottingham is named after the 7th Duke of Portland

They were patrons of the University of Nottingham since its foundation in 1881.

The 7th Duke of Portland served in the First World War before becoming a Conservative MP and then chancellor of the university from 1954 to 1971.

The Portland Building on campus is even named after him and now houses the student union and other departments.

But the report reveals that the first Duke of Portland – who was descended from the first Earl of Portland – was appointed governor of Jamaica, where he owned dozens of slaves in the 1720s.

He stated that this position led to the “accumulation and transfer of financial, social and reputational capital to subsequent generations” and that other colonial roles assigned to his heirs helped to “preserve the status of the dynasty in as a powerful elite ruling aristocratic family.”

The Duke is estimated to have earned at least £3.8 million as Governor of Jamaica, in today’s money.

Examining donations from 1875 to 1960, the report indicates that up to 44 percent of private donations received were made by just eight patrons, all with historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade.

Professor Katherine Linehan, Vice-Chancellor for People and Culture, described the report as “the first step towards recognizing these historical links and will act as a catalyst for open dialogue between the university and its community of students. black background with regard to restorative justice. ‘

William Bentinck, first Earl of Portland – his descendants became dukes until 1990

The university has been accused of using “reverse engineering” to create links to the slave trade.

But a source said the family attempted to meaningfully engage with the writers after receiving a draft copy in 2020.

They accused the university of “excluding” viewpoints and “sidelining the truth,” stating: “From the university’s perspective, it may be reasonable – perhaps even necessary – to exclude divergent views in efforts to redress historical imbalances.

“However, this approach risks sidelining essential principles of truth and open dialogue.”

In a statement, the Welbeck family estate said: “Slavery was a heinous crime against humanity, and examining historical connections is essential to understanding and addressing its enduring legacy. The 1st Duke of Portland, who was governor of Jamaica in the early 18th century, owned slaves and other ancestors held colonial roles.

“The buildings at the University of Nottingham are named after the 7th Duke, who was born 60 years after abolition and had no personal involvement in slavery.

“We understand the university’s decision to rename the Portland buildings to Nottingham and China as part of its efforts to foster an inclusive environment for students. We welcome this name change as a significant gesture reflecting the evolving values ​​of the university community.

The University of Nottingham said: “The report was commissioned by the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University to explore the role of transatlantic slavery in the formation of both institutions. chart of historical links with higher education in the UK.

“The work has taken place over several years and a number of revisions have been made in response to comments received during the consultation exercise. To our knowledge, no one was excluded from the consultation exercise or denied the opportunity to meet with university representatives to discuss the report.