The Lives of Black People in Early 19th Century Scotland

Beyond slavery … ? The history of Black people in Scotland is often overshadowed by the narrative of slavery.Aand this is an important part of history that should not be forgotten. For example, as evidenced by the interesting exhibition at Broderick Castle, Arran, Scotland. However, archival records also reveal a more nuanced and diverse story. One that questions any one-dimensional assumption that Black people in historical novels should be only slaves or servants. In early 19th century Scotland, Black individuals were not only slaves but also soldiers, students, and members of the royal court. This blog post aims to shed light on the varied experiences of Black people in Scotland during this period. I will highlight their contributions and presence beyond the confines of slavery and service.

Black People in Early 19th Century Scotland

While it is true that some Black individuals in Scotland were enslaved, many others lived as free people and contributed significantly to Scottish society. For instance, it was not uncommon for Black soldiers to serve in the British Army. One notable example is Arthur Roberts, a soldier who survived World War I and spent his later years in Glasgow¹.

High-Status Individuals and Servants

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, it was fashionable for the Scottish upper class to have Black servants. These individuals were often brought to Scotland by plantation owners returning from the Caribbean. While some of these servants had been slaves, others were free and held positions of relative status within their households¹.

Black Students in Scottish Universities

By the mid-19th century, Scottish universities began to see an increase in Black students, primarily from abroad.

Although these students were mostly men, as women of any ethnicity were barred from attending university until the 1890s, their presence marked a significant step towards educational inclusivity².

Paving the way for later progress.

Africans at the Royal Court

The presence of Black individuals at the Scottish royal court dates back to the early 16th century. Records from the court of James IV mention an African drummer who travelled with the king and was part of the royal entourage. This drummer, along with other Africans, held high-status positions and were integral to the cultural life of the court³.

The Complexity of Black Scottish Identity

The identity of Black Scottish people has evolved over centuries, with significant numbers arriving in the 20th century after World War II. However, the roots of Black presence in Scotland go much deeper. The development of a cohesive Black Scottish identity has been shaped by various factors, including migration, cultural exchange, and the fight against prejudice¹.

With this history in mind, in my book I created the character of Lewis, a research assistant. The history of Black people in early 19th century Scotland is rich and multifaceted. While the narrative of slavery is an important part of this history, it is crucial to recognize the diverse roles and contributions of Black individuals during this period. From soldiers and students to high-status members of the royal court, Black people in Scotland have a long and varied history that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.

¹: John Gray Centre ³: National Trust for Scotland ²: Scotland with Hannah

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Book research is the name of this article. Based on the initial research I have done into the lives of gypsies in the UK and fisherfolk in Auchmithie, to get a sense of their lives and challenges, I have begun to draft my early scenes in my new noval (The Fisherwomen of Auchmithie). I can’t wait till the museums reopen to visit the local area and the Lighthouse Museum again. Thanks to the website Auchmithie Roots, and their historians, I found mention of Auchmithie in The Country of Scott. Including the following description of the inside of one of the fisherman’s cottages.

He let me take a photograph of the interior of the cottage, where a single room served for bedroom, breakfast-room, kitchen, and numerous other purposes. (p.157)

So not adding much information to what I had already guessed or discovered, though I’d love to chat to an expert in working-class women’s lives in the early 1800s. The text also mentions policemen referred to as constables and ‘a picturesque old fishwife’:

A picturesque old fishwife, carrying two large empty pails in each hand, came out of her house, all unconscious of the awful presence of a loaded camera and I quickly stepped out and pressed the bulb. ‘That’s Coffee Betz you got then,’ laughed the constable. ‘She wouldn’t let you take her picture, but she’s one of the Cargills.’

The ethics of snapping shots without permission aside, the last quote I came across about wives managing the family money (silver) is cited in this book too and the phrase ‘Them that sell the goods guide the purse – them that guide the purse rule the house’ (p.158).

Historical context

And there is some useful historical context of the French-British conflicts in the early 19th century (1800s) relevant for life in Auchmithie:-

the people of England and Scotland were kept in a state of nervous dread by the expectation of an invasion by the French. Beacons were erected all along the coast ready to give instant alarm, and militia organizations were everywhere kept in a state of readiness. (p.158).

Relevant for a fishy context too; though perhaps only interesting to me … For instance, there’s a mention of bannock-fluke and cock-paddle in the book, which some additional research revealed are turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) which is great to know as my main characters include fishermen and women.

What’s next?

There is plenty more writing and research to go. So for now, I’ll concentrate on the writing side, building my characters and making notes on the side about facts to check. These are but little details to weave into the narrative as I try to capture the lives of the people living back then on the east coast of Scotland. 

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