Black and non white history is a vital part of Britain’s story, as there is evidence of Black and other non white cultures being in Britain from before even the Roman Empire. In fact, the oldest complete skeleton to be found in Britain, known as Cheddar Man, is around 10,000 years old and was discovered at Cheddar Gorge in Somerset. Analysis of the bones and forensic examination determined that he had dark to Black skin, curly hair and light eyes, which were likely to have been blue or green. This would suggest that it was likely that Britain’s earliest residents would have had darker skin, which in turn suggests that Britons and Europeans being fair skinned is a much more modern development than we would have previously believed.
Though history has often focused on Britain’s white heritage, there have been communities all over Britain featuring Black and other non white identities since at least the 1500s.
There are a number of blue plaques located in Britain commemorating the work of Black and other non-white individuals in history.
Some of the plaques you can spot include:
Ellen and William Craft
Campaigners
26 Cambridge Grove London W6 OLA
Laurie Cunningham
Footballer
73 Lancaster Road, Stroud Green London N4 4PL
Ottobah Cugoano
Author and campaigner
80-82 Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HF
Mary Seacole
War Heroine and nurse
14 Soho Square, Soho London WID 3QG
Elisabeth Welch
Singer
Ovington Court, Brompton Road, Kensington London SW5 ILB
Jimi Hendrix
Musician
23 Brook Street, Mayfair, London QIK 4HA
Find more Blue Plaques dedicated to Black individuals here.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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