Search all showsFrom The Romans to Windrush
Episode 4: Black soldiers, sailors and pirates during the English Civil War and the Napoleonic Wars
From the Romans to Windrush: A podcast series about the lives and achievements of key figures of Black British History: presented by Simone Adams, a retired lawyer, lecturer, podcaster and former Morley College student.
The English Civil War and the Napoleonic Wars have for years been considered all white affairs. But the truth is more complex and interesting. This episode tells the stories behind various people of African heritage, some free men, some not, who were near, or in some cases active fighting participants (on land and sea) in some of the great battles of the English Civil War, and the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, both of which changed the face of Britain and Europe forever.
Sources:
- Martone, E. (ed.), Encyclopaedia of Blacks in European History and Culture ISBN-13:978-0313344480
- Peachey, S. & Turton, A. Old Robin’s Foot: The Equipping and Campaigns of Essex’s Infantry, 1642-1645. For more details on this publication access the following link
- Stoyle, M. Soldiers and Strangers: An Ethnic History of the English Civil War. ISBN-13:978-0300107005
- Vizram, R. Asians in Britain: 400 years of history. ISBN-13 : 978-0745313733
- Philip K. Allen, The Role of Black Sailors in the Napoleonic Royal Navy
- John D Ellis, They were there too-Black Soldiers in the British Army at the Battle of Waterloo (NB: NB: This is one of several interesting articles on Black Soldiers in the British Armed forces during the Napoleonic wars by Ellis. Most can be accessed for free via Academia Education)
- Black Prisoners of War at Porchester Castle