Podcast Summary: "Africans in 17th Century England" – Not Just the Tudors
Release Date: October 28, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of Not Just the Tudors, hosted by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, the focus shifts from the well-trodden narratives of Tudor England to a lesser-explored aspect of 17th-century England: the presence and roles of Africans during this period. Joining Professor Lipscomb is Sophie Merricks, a PhD student at Lancaster University, whose research delves into the racial diversity of the English Civil War battlefields.
Research Background and Methodology
Sophie Merricks introduces her interdisciplinary PhD project, which intertwines history with digital humanities to map and analyze the presence of Africans in Stuart England. Her research involves collating a comprehensive database from diverse sources such as church records, burial accounts, military diaries, and personal letters.
"I'm looking at collating a database of Africans in Stuart England and mapping and creating a spatial account of these records to look at the diversity of communities throughout the country at the time."
— Sophie Merricks [02:32]
Evidence and Sources
Merricks emphasizes the fragmented nature of historical records from the period, noting the variability in ethnic descriptors and the challenges in tracing individual lives across different documents.
"Throughout the entire Stuart period, we see ethnic descriptors vary, and in some instances, for the same individual, they'll vary substantially even for that one individual."
— Sophie Merricks [03:26]
She highlights sources such as court records, parish accounts, newspaper advertisements, wills, and inventories as pivotal in uncovering glimpses into African lives in 17th-century England.
Language and Perceptions of Race
A significant portion of the discussion centers on how race was recorded and perceived during the period. Merricks points out the diverse terminology used to describe Africans, reflecting a lack of standardized racial classifications.
"There's no sort of complete shift towards one specific term which is quite indicative of the fact there was no one attitude towards Africans in Stuart England."
— Sophie Merricks [05:32]
She notes the frequent use of terms like "Negro," "blackamoor," and "black," often used interchangeably and contextually, making it challenging to ascertain the exact racial intentions behind the descriptors.
"Language use is really tricky to pin down because it's so varied. And there doesn't seem to be a formula behind how race was recorded."
— Sophie Merricks [05:32]
African Presence in Legal and Social Systems
Merricks explores the integration of Africans into England's legal and social systems, revealing both inclusive and exclusive treatments. She discusses how Africans appeared in various roles, from servants and groomsmen to soldiers, challenging the notion of a homogenous experience.
"They reveal both an inclusive and an exclusive society in two very different but parallel running treatments of African individuals."
— Sophie Merricks [22:11]
She also touches upon the complexities of records, where terms like "black" could refer to race, hair color, or even metaphorical sinful conditions, further complicating historical interpretations.
Africans in the English Civil War
A focal point of the episode is the participation of Africans in the English Civil War, serving on both Royalist and Parliamentarian sides. Merricks provides examples from diaries and burial records, illustrating the varied roles Africans played, from soldiers to captains.
"We've got Africans who were discharged, they are sentenced to work in the Bridewell Court, in the Bridewell Royal Hospital, all sorts of punishments and decisions made towards them."
— Sophie Merricks [22:11]
She discusses specific individuals like William A. Blackmore, a soldier for the Earl of Newcastle, and Antonius, a Moorish captain for the Parliamentarians, highlighting the diverse positions Africans held in the conflict.
Roles and Perceptions During the War
The conversation delves into whether Africans occupied different roles depending on their allegiance during the Civil War. Merricks notes that while some Africans served as soldiers, others held positions that suggest a level of trust and responsibility, such as Antonius, who advised Lord Fairfax on horse care.
"He provides some wisdom about how we in Barbary treat foals aside Lord Fairfax. So he's got quite an important role there as a captain."
— Sophie Merricks [16:30]
This dual presence challenges the established power imbalances, suggesting that Africans were not solely viewed as subordinates but could also occupy positions of authority.
Black Women's Experiences
While the primary focus is on male Africans, Merricks briefly addresses the limited evidence regarding black women's experiences during the period. She acknowledges the scarcity of records but notes the presence of African burials of both genders.
"There are a lot more males in the records than there are females. It kind of speaks to the demand that there was for black boys in the period as these accessories that we see in the portraits."
— Sophie Merricks [19:49]
Implications for Understanding Race and Society
Merricks reflects on the broader implications of her research, emphasizing the complexity of race relations in 17th-century England. She suggests that the integration of Africans into various societal roles indicates a nuanced social structure that resisted simplistic racial categorizations.
"These courts... provide the broadest array of attitudes in the period. And they reveal both an inclusive and an exclusive society."
— Sophie Merricks [22:11]
Conclusion and Future Directions
As Merricks concludes, she expresses hope that her research will shed light on the often-overlooked narratives of Africans in early modern England, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the period's social fabric and racial dynamics.
"My research... reveals both an inclusive and an exclusive society in two very different but parallel running treatments of African individuals."
— Sophie Merricks [22:11]
Professor Lipscomb echoes Merricks' sentiments, highlighting the importance of ongoing research in uncovering the intricate and multifaceted histories of marginalized groups.
"You've given us a real insight into that."
— Professor Suzannah Lipscomb [24:10]
Closing Thoughts
This episode of Not Just the Tudors offers a profound exploration of the African presence in 17th-century England, challenging preconceived notions and illuminating the diverse experiences of Africans during a tumultuous period in English history. Through meticulous research and engaging discussion, Professor Lipscomb and Sophie Merricks invite listeners to reconsider and broaden their understanding of Tudor and Stuart England's social landscape.