At the time of Hassell’s paintings of Egham, the country was witnessing global expansion of power and influence with the establishment of the British Empire growing steadily since the 16th century. By 1783, it had colonies in North America and the West Indies, trading posts in India and naval bases in the Mediterranean. The 19th century also saw great political and social change.
The Napoleonic Wars between 1803-1815 further expanded Britain’s Empire.
Methodist preacher, John Wesley who preached at St John’s Church in Egham in 1744, supported the abolition movement, writing a tract in 1774 titled “Thoughts on Slavery”.