The 2007 Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade prompted new research into the links between Hertfordshire people, the slave trade and its abolition. As part of the 'Hidden Histories' project, volunteers used parish registers and other archives to identify over 50 African people who came to Hertfordshire at the time of the slave trade.
The stories of many of these people will never be known, but for others it has been possible to piece together fascinating details about their lives. Many arrived here as children, went on to marry local people and had families of their own.
Some of their descendants are still living in Hertfordshire, but may have no idea that they have an African ancestor. The lives of all these people have played an important part in Hertfordshire's diverse heritage.
African Caribbean people in Herts (1570-1830)
Evidence from parish registers and other sources
Africk Hunsdon
From servant to publican
Ayuba Suleiman Diallo
also known as Job ben Solomon
Fortunatus
What's in a Name?
Francis Barber
Dr Johnson's servant at school in Bishop's Stortford
George Edward Doney
Servant to the 5th Earl of Essex
John Accomy
Servant to Mr Henry Capell