We are commissioning a commemorative statue. Who do you think it should be?

There is evidence of a black presence in Britain going back to the first century CE, and probably even earlier. English Heritage’s work at Hadrian’s Wall has identified that many units serving at the Roman site actually originated in North Africa, with many Africans reaching high ranks of command within the army. It’s now thought that many people who live on the English-Scottish border today may be descended from these early black Britons.

Abdul Karim was hired as a servant in 1887, but soon became ‘Munshi’ or teacher to the Queen, and later her Indian Secretary. The unlikely pair became close friends and confidantes, which scandalized the Queen’s family and circle of advisers. Abdul Karim had a significant impact on Queen Victoria, and incidentally on Victorian British culture and aesthetics more widely. Curry was even on the Queen’s menu for Sunday lunch.

In 1854, Queen Victoria wrote in her diary, “a most beautiful morning. We breakfasted in the Alcove with the truly amiable young Maharajah, who is so kind to the children.” There are even stories about him giving piggybacks to the princes and princesses. In this photograph, we can see Prince Arthur and Prince Alfred wearing traditional Indian outfits, which are thought to be gifts from Duleep Singh.

In the 18th century, there were up to 15,000 black people living in London, mostly as slaves or servants, with few legal protections and little wealth or property. But there were a few notable exceptions, including: Dido Elizabeth Belle.

Dido Elizabeth Belle was the illegitimate daughter of a royal naval officer, Sir John Lindsay, and an African woman, Maria Bell, who was possibly a slave. In her early years, Dido was brought to London, where she lived at Kenwood House with her great uncle, Lord Mansfield, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. Dido was raised as a lady and was taught to read, write, play music, and engage in high society.