The Peter Peckard Memorial Prize 2019

Magdalene invites submissions for its annual Peter Peckard Memorial Prize from Cambridge undergraduate students. Essays written for undergraduate degrees and collective entries by University or College Societies are welcomed.

The Prize was endowed by the generosity of two Magdalene Members wanting to celebrate the achievements of Peter Peckard, Master of Magdalene in the 18th century. He was elected as Vice Chancellor of the University in 1784. In this capacity, it fell to him to set subjects for the essays for the undergraduates’ prizes of the University. He chose the topic 'Is it ever right to make slaves of others against their will?'

Thomas Clarkson, a scholar of St John’s College at the time, won the prize for an essay involving a careful review of the horrifying realities of slavery. Clarkson was so moved by what he discovered that, soon after, he decided to dedicate his whole life to fighting for the abolition of slavery. It was Clarkson who later recruited William Wilberforce to lead the battle in Parliament. The Peckard Memorial Prize was created to mark these events.

The Brief

An essay or equivalent contribution on some egregious form of human exploitation in the world today and the actions needed to eliminate it. Special attention may be given to the role of the United Nations.

Essays must be between 6000-10000 words (excluding the bibliography). Figures, tables, etc will count at 250 words per page. All debts to other scholars, including teachers, books, articles and websites, should be acknowledged.

Essays must be written in English and submitted using the form below.

The Prize

The Competition Prize is £1,000. In the case of a tie the judges will split the prize.

Closing date

10 July 2018

Winner announced

22 July 2018

Prize giving ceremony

The winner(s) will be invited with one guest and the Head of House/Senior Tutor of their College to a prize-giving ceremony followed by dinner at Magdalene on 17 October 2019 hosted by the Master, Dr Rowan Williams, senior Fellows and members of the prize-giving committee.