Last week a group of us at FRP along with some of our clients, had the privilege of joining a walking tour by Black History Walks through the City of London, exploring sites that we walk past on our daily commute without a second thought. Sites rich with hidden narratives and historical connections that all too often go unnoticed. The experience was eye-opening, shedding light on London’s deep-rooted links to Africa and the Caribbean.
The story of John Blank
Our knowledgeable guide told us about a man named John Blank, a court trumpeter for both Henry VII and Henry VIII. Depicted in a scroll dating back to 1511, John is shown riding a horse at a royal procession. His presence challenges the notion that Black people first arrived in the UK as slaves.
John Blank’s story represents a broader Black presence in Europe before the transatlantic slave trade, including African individuals who came with explorers or as translators, especially from regions like Spain, where the Moors had ruled for centuries. These individuals contributed to society in meaningful ways, yet their stories are still often missing from school curriculums.
Resistance and revolts
As we delved into the topic of slavery, the tour didn't shy away from discussing the brutal realities experienced by so many. However, our guide also spoke of another, lesser-known narrative. Resistance and strength were constant, especially led by women. A fascinating piece of research by Professor Rebecca Hall, author of Wake – the hidden history of women-led slave revolts, highlighted how an insurance company that covered slave ships, created algorithms to predict the likelihood of slave revolts. The data captured in its records showed that women often led these uprisings, a fact that has been glossed over in many other historical accounts.
It highlighted that Black history is not just about oppression but also about resilience, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of freedom.
St. Maurice: a black patron saint in European history
Another remarkable figure introduced during the walk was St. Maurice, the patron saint of Germany, an African Roman soldier who became a martyr after refusing to attack a Christian village. His story, which is celebrated in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, underscores the deep-rooted presence of African figures in European history. St. Maurice led 6,000 African soldiers and chose faith over orders, earning him a place of reverence across Europe.
His legacy, depicted in medieval art, adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Black history, a history far broader than the Atlantic slave trade or the migration of the Windrush generation.
A hidden London
As we walked through the streets of London, passing landmarks like the Guildhall, where centuries-old guilds still display their logos, it was hard not to reflect on the ways in which the city's wealth and prestige were built. Guilds like the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and Blacksmiths have played a crucial role in shaping the city's economic landscape, passing down wealth and expertise through generations. However, the tour revealed that much of this wealth is tied to Africa, a connection that is often unknown.
The walking tour was a powerful reminder of how much history lies beneath the surface of the city we live in. Black history in London is not peripheral; it is central to understanding the city's economic, cultural, and social evolution. From the gold and diamonds sourced from Africa to the legacies of Black resistance and leadership, these stories challenge the dominant narratives and invite us to reconsider the history we think we know.
