However, this was not a vote to abolish slavery as a whole throughout the Empire, just the trade in enslaved people. William Wilberforce continued to work for the abolition of all slavery within the British Colonies. He joined the 'Society for Gradual Abolition' and, when the campaign intensified again in the 1820's and 30', he did as much as his failing health would allow. In 1821 he requested that take over the leadership of the campaign in the Commons and resigned his parliamentary seat in 1824, after a serious illness. By May, 1830, when two thousand people met in London at Freemasons' Hall, Wilberforce was stooped with age and wearing a metal girdle to prevent him slumping.
In his late 30's, Wilberforce married Barbara Spooner (also an evangelical Christian). He remained devoted to her throughout his life. Finally on 25th March, 1807, the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act abolished the Slave Trade in the British colonies. It was carried by 267 votes. The house rose to its feet and cheered wildly.
This term can be used formally or informally