It has been claimed by many that the song, Rule, Britannia! (Often written as Rule Briannia) is a song that celebrates slavery, encourages or condones colonialism and all the negativity that conjours, but is this true, is being negative about this song simply cultural vandalism?
The lyrics, written in 1740 by James Thomson (for a masque by Thomas Arne), were a patriotic statement of national identity and freedom, not an endorsement of empire or oppression.
Let’s break it down factually and contextually.
1. Historical Context
When the song was written, Britain was emerging as a naval power, having recently defeated Spain and France in several conflicts. It was a rallying cry of self-determination, expressing that Britons would never themselves be enslaved — whether by foreign invaders, tyrants, or despots.
It was composed decades before the height of the British Empire and before Britain’s abolition of the slave trade (1807) and slavery (1833). The lyrics reflect maritime pride and independence, not the later imperial ideology that came to dominate the 19th century.
2. Meaning of “Britons never shall be slaves”
This line isn’t about enslaving others — it’s about freedom from being enslaved. It emerged in an era when absolute monarchies and foreign powers threatened liberty. The concept of “slavery” was used metaphorically — meaning subjugation or loss of national sovereignty, not chattel slavery.
You can find similar language in many national anthems:
-
“Land of the free” (USA)
-
“We’ll ne’er be slaves” (Scottish songs of the period)
-
“No foreign yoke shall bind our land” (Irish nationalist verse)
None of these imply approval of real slavery — they mean political freedom.
3. Why modern critics misread it
People today often interpret old works through a modern moral lens, without recognising historical nuance. Since Britain’s empire did later involve slavery and colonialism, some project that history backward onto the song.
That’s a category error.
“Rule, Britannia!” predates the Empire’s expansionist ideology. It celebrated the island nation’s defensive freedom, not imperial domination. The “rule the waves” line referred to naval supremacy — vital for protecting an island from invasion — not for enslaving or colonising others.
4. Cultural Significance
For over 280 years, Rule, Britannia! has symbolised resilience, courage, and liberty — not oppression. It was sung by abolitionists, by wartime civilians, and by soldiers fighting fascism. To call it a “celebration of slavery” is not only historically inaccurate — it’s intellectually lazy and culturally self-destructive.
In short
“Rule, Britannia!” celebrates freedom, self-determination, and naval defence — not slavery or colonial domination.
If anything, it’s a reminder of what Britain should be: a free, sovereign, self-reliant nation whose people “shall never be slaves” to tyrants, whether foreign or domestic.
When Britain first, at heaven’s commandArose from out the azure mainArose, arose from out the azure mainThis was the charter, the charter of the landAnd guardian angels sang this strain