Talks by Dr Miranda Kaufmann – updated 19 September
Tuesday 7 October, 6pm. “Based on a True Story”? The History behind the film Belle
Like any historical film “Based on a True Story”, Belle takes liberties with the historical record. In this talk Miranda will sift the fact from the fiction and discuss the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle in the context of other Africans living in Britain at this time, including Olaudah Equiano, who has a walk-on part in the film. She will also explain the legal history and significance not only of the Zong case featured in the film, but of Lord Mansfield’s other famous cases, such as Somersett (1772). North Kensington Library, 108 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 1PZ.
Wednesday 8 October, 6pm. Africans in Tudor and Stuart Britain
Miranda will explore the lives of Africans in 16th and 17th century Britain, explaining how they arrived in Britain, what occupations and relationships they found and how they were treated by the church, the law courts and the other inhabitants of Britain. Shepherd’s Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, London W12 7BF.
Saturday 11 October. Archway with Words Festival
Miranda will be paired with Dr. Wanda Wyporska, author of Witchcraft in Early Modern Poland 1500-1800 to speak about their adventures in the early modern world, read from their work and take questions.
Further details to be confirmed: http://www.archwaywithwords.com/ Archway with Words Festival, Methodist Church, Archway, Archway Close, London N19 3TD.
Monday 13 October, 7.30pm. Africans in Tudor and Stuart Britain
Miranda will explore the lives of Africans in 16th and 17th century England and Scotland, explaining how they arrived in Britain, what occupations and relationships they found and how they were treated by the church, the law courts and the other inhabitants of Britain.
Special mention will be given to Africans living in early modern Gloucestershire, including Edward Swarthye of Lydney, the Ivye family of Dyrham, and Cattelina of Almondsbury. Historical Association, Gloucestershire Branch, venue tbc.
Tuesday 14 October, 7.30pm. The Image and Reality of Black Africans in Renaissance England, with Michael Ohajuru.
Why was there an image of a Black African King in English churches even though no Black African Kings visited Europe during the Renaissance? Was John Blanke the only Black African in England at the time? In reality, what else did or could Black Africans do beside play trumpet for English royalty? Join independent historians Michael Ohajuru and Miranda Kaufmann to find out! Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JB.
Wednesday 29 October, 6.30pm. Africans in Tudor & Stuart London
Miranda gives an insight into the lives of the over 100 Africans living in Tudor and early Stuart London- what were they doing? How did they get here? What was their legal status? Paddington Library, 45 Porchester Rd, London, W2 5DU.
Tuesday 4 November, 2pm. Africans in Early Modern London
Miranda gives an insight into the lives of the over 100 Africans living in Tudor and early Stuart London, many of whom were baptised or buried in City churches close to the Guildhall – what were they doing? How did they get here? What was their legal status? Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH.
Wednesday 5th November, 5pm, Title tbc, with Onyeka Nubia, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ.
Saturday 8th November, 3.30pm, Putting the Black in the Union Jack? Black British History in Education: “Africans in Tudor Britain” panel, Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon St, London WC1H 0AH. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/putting-the-black-in-the-union-jack-black-british-history-in-education-tickets-12821689017?aff=eorg
Tuesday 11th November, 6pm, “Africans in Georgian London”, John Galsworthy Building, Room 3002, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE. http://historyatkingston.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/welcome-to-historykingston/
Miranda is one of the organisers of What’s Happening in Black British History? A Conversation workshop Thursday 30 October. See https://seancreighton1947.wordpress.com/2014/06/25/whats-happening-in-black-british-history-a-conversation/
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