Archway, Formerly To Farm Hill Park

The Anti-Slavery Arch, built around 1834, stands on the west side of Farmhill Lane in Stroud, originally serving as the entrance to the now-demolished Farmhill Park. It commemorates the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which outlawed slavery throughout the British colonies, coming into effect on 1 August 1834. The arch is constructed of limestone and features coupled Doric pilasters flanking a central archway, surmounted by an entablature and dentil cornice. Plaque inscriptions are displayed on either side: on the east, commemorating the abolition itself, and on the west, a Latin inscription reading "Dedit deus libertatem detur deo gloria" ("God gave freedom. Glory be to God.").

The arch was erected for Henry Wyatt, who purchased Farmhill Park in 1833 after having been a tenant since 1817. A clothier turned businessman and magistrate, Wyatt was a supporter of the Stroud Anti-Slavery Society and a key figure in encouraging parliamentary action against slavery. The original wrought iron gates have been relocated to Doddington Hall.

Restoration work was undertaken in 1961-62 and again in 2001. Following the demolition of Farmhill Park in the 1930s, council housing and Archway School (built in 1961) were established on the estate, with the arch now marking the approach to the school. The arch is notable as Britain's oldest anti-slavery memorial and was upgraded from Grade II to II* in 2007, coinciding with the bicentenary of the 1807 Abolition Act. It has group value with the nearby Farmhill Lodge, a small classical lodge of the same date.