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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