Anna Hembury: "To me, he was someone who had the conviction to put his faith into action and stand up for what he believed was right. He used the position that he had in life to bring about change and I'm proud that someone from Hull made such a difference to the world."

Ketan Patel: "All I know about William Wilberforce is that he was from Hull and was involved in banning slavery."

Doreen Manders: "I don't want to sound ignorant, but I'm not from the Hull area and I couldn't tell you the first thing about William Wilberforce. I'd have to ask my husband, because he's a lot more interested in history than me, so he might know."

Daniel Pointon: "I was brought up in Hull and have always been aware of William Wilberforce and what he did. What he achieved with regard to abolishing slavery was ground-breaking and very important."

Lawani Oluwafemi: "I think he is an inspirational figure who allowed a lot of people to live better lives by freeing them from slavery. Basically, I think he was a great bloke."

Annette Munro: "I've visited Wilberforce House a lot with my family and I think he did a great thing by abolishing the slave trade and making everybody equal. He was important in his time and it's good to remember him today."

Nita Tordoff: "He did something special, but you have to put it into perspective because people-trafficking and slavery are still going on. The world has gone full circle, so important as he was 200 years ago, what has really changed?"

Kabelo Mokoena: "I have a lot of respect for William Wilberforce. Many people wouldn't be here today if he hadn't have achieved what he did."

Berthin Paluku Kambale: "The story of William Wilberforce has really touched me and I think of Hull as a city of democracy, human rights and freedom."

Justina Oraka: "I admire what William Wilberforce achieved and the world today needs more reformers like him. It must be remembered there were many other people active in the abolition movement and I feel their contribution is sometimes played down when all the attention is placed on Wilberforce."