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London's Black history

The history of Black people in London spans African Romans, the Windrush Generation and the artists, activists and politicians influencing modern London. As historians continue to unearth details about the lives of Black Londoners, learn more about this ever-evolving history with our stories and photos.

  • War & Weapons
    War & Weapons

    Mary Seacole: Doctress of the Crimean War

    The determined businesswoman and caregiver who looked after troops at war

  • Publishing & Media
    Publishing & Media

    Malorie Blackman’s books shaped Britain’s youth

    The south-east Londoner writes diverse fictional worlds for young people of all ages

  • From our experts
    From our experts

    Bioarchaeological evidence for Black women in 14th-century London

    How much do we know about the people in medieval London?

  • Music & Subculture
    Music & Subculture

    Stormzy: A grime change-maker

    This Croydon-born cultural titan has used his enormous success to challenge inequality

  • Immigration & Identity
    Immigration & Identity

    Neil Kenlock’s photos of 1970s Black London

    Beauty queens and Black Panthers

  • Publishing & Media
    Publishing & Media

    Zadie Smith: Writing north-west London

    The author of White Teeth and The Fraud uses Brent as her canvas

  • Immigration & Identity
    Immigration & Identity

    Ignatius Sancho: Writer & early Black voter

    After gaining his freedom, this 18th-century writer became one of the first Black voters in Britain

  • Music & Subculture
    Music & Subculture

    The origins of Notting Hill Carnival

    London’s biggest street festival is a celebration of Caribbean culture and Black identity

  • Immigration & Identity
    Immigration & Identity

    The surprising diversity of Roman London

    A city home to people from Turkey, Germany and Greece

  • Immigration & Identity
    Immigration & Identity

    Lady Phyll: Activist & co-founder of UK Black Pride

    Campaigner, community builder, champion of LGBTQ+ rights

  • Rights & Activism
    Rights & Activism

    The life story of Mary Prince

    A vital narrative of enslavement that boosted the abolitionist movement

  • Publishing & Media
    Publishing & Media

    Michaela Coel: A vital modern storyteller

    The superstar behind Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You has spun unique tales from London life

  • Games & Sports
    Games & Sports

    Ian Wright: Arsenal hero, London legend

    This ex-footballer and pundit from Brockley has won hearts on and off the pitch

  • Music & Subculture
    Music & Subculture

    Through the lens of Charlie Phillips

    One of the most talented, but long overlooked, photographers of 20th-century Britain

  • Music & Subculture
    Music & Subculture

    London’s grime stars

    The artists who built a scene and took it worldwide

  • Art & Design
    Art & Design

    Steve McQueen: Putting London on screen

    This Oscar-winning west Londoner has made vital films about London’s people and history

  • Rights & Activism
    Rights & Activism

    Olaudah Equiano: Writer & abolitionist

    A freed enslaved man whose life story drove the abolition of the British trade in enslaved Africans

  • Music & Subculture
    Music & Subculture

    Dub in London: Shops, sound systems & legends

    In the 1970s and 1980s, London became the centre of Jamaica’s bassier, spacier sound

  • Rights & Activism
    Rights & Activism

    Ottobah Cugoano: A powerful critic of slavery

    Cugoano shared his own experience of enslavement to try and end it for good

  • Fashion & Style
    Fashion & Style

    Edward Enninful: A west London fashion force

    Model, stylist, fashion director, editor-in-chief at British Vogue

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