Historian Tony Warner shows how you can discover where to find Black History in your town or city. Many people believe that the first Black people to arrive in Britain were slaves or servants. However, if you look through British history there's evidence of influential African and Caribbean people back through the centuries. One of the earliest recorded images of an African in Britain is a Black trumpeter depicted on the Westminster Tournament Roll of 1511. This musician was probably from North Africa and was employed by both Henry the 7th and Henry the 8th. By the late 16th century, trade had opened up between West Africa and Britain and Africans began to settle in Britain, becoming part of the population--especially in seafaring places like Bristol, London, Liverpool and Glasgow. Black men and women made appearances in the diaries of Samuel Pepys and in 18th century portraits. Can you find the names and pictures of other prominent Black Britons of the 17th and 18th Century?

Video Series: Lesson Starters
Release Date 2010