Trinity to ‘dename’ Berkeley Library

Move comes in recognition of namesake’s involvement in, and support of, slave trade

Trinity College Dublin has decided to change the name of its Berkeley Library, named after philosopher and former university librarian George Berkeley.

The decision comes after what the university describes as “careful consideration and detailed analysis” of Berkeley’s purchase of slaves to work on his Rhode Island estate in 1730-1731. Berkeley also sought to advance ideology in support of slavery, the university explained in a statement.