Black England: A Forgotten History

Black England: A Forgotten History traces the lives and experiences of Black people in England from the Tudor period through the Georgian era. The book reconstructs the presence and roles of African and Afro-Caribbean individuals across English society during these centuries. Gerzina's research uncovers historical records, letters, parish documents, and court proceedings to piece together the stories of both prominent and everyday Black residents. The narrative moves through different social spheres - from royal courts to merchant households, from maritime communities to rural villages. The book examines how Black people navigated English culture and society, their legal status, and the complex relationships they formed. Period illustrations, portraits, and primary sources help visualize these historical figures and their surroundings. Through this detailed historical account, the book challenges assumptions about England's past and demonstrates the long-standing multicultural nature of British society. The work speaks to broader themes of identity, belonging, and how historical narratives are constructed and preserved.

Readers describe this as an eye-opening work that uncovers the overlooked presence of Black people in pre-20th century England. Multiple reviews note the thorough research and accessible writing style that brings historical figures to life. Readers appreciated: - The mix of individual stories with broader historical context - Documentation of Black Tudors, Georgians and Victorians in various social classes - Clear explanations of how racism evolved in British society Common criticisms: - Some readers wanted more details about daily life of common Black Britons - A few reviewers found the chronological jumps confusing - Limited coverage of Black communities outside London Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (127 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (142 ratings) Representative review: "Finally fills a gap in British history books. The stories of Black nobles, soldiers, and artists show England was never as white as commonly portrayed." - Goodreads reviewer

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Black Victorians/Black Victoriana by Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina The collection of essays explores the presence and experiences of Black people in Victorian Britain through analysis of historical documents, literature, and cultural artifacts.

Staying Power: The History of Black People in Britain by Peter Fryer This comprehensive study chronicles the Black presence in Britain from Roman times to the 1980s, using court records, newspaper articles, and personal narratives to reconstruct forgotten histories.

Black London: Life Before Emancipation by Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina The book reveals the lives of Black Londoners in the 18th century through examination of parish records, court documents, and contemporary accounts.

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🔷 While today we might think of Black people in Britain as a modern phenomenon, there were thousands of Black people living in Tudor and Georgian England - from sailors and servants to musicians and business owners. 🔷 Author Gretchen Gerzina was the first Black woman to become a professor at an English university when she taught at Vassar College's program at University of Exeter. 🔷 The book reveals how Queen Victoria had a Black goddaughter named Sarah Forbes Bonetta, who was born a Yoruba princess before being orphaned and later presented to the Queen as a "gift." 🔷 Many Black people in Georgian England were highly educated and accomplished, including Ignatius Sancho, who became a respected composer and the first known Black person to vote in a British election. 🔷 The original edition of this groundbreaking book was published in 1995, but its 2022 re-release features new research and has helped spark renewed interest in Britain's forgotten Black history.