Slaves and servants

The Kings Grand Staircase of Kensington Palace. Copyright Historic Royal Palaces

It is now known that black people like many others have been coming to London since the Roman times, attracted by trade opportunities, brought through war and even curiosity. There were so many black people in London during the reign of Elizabeth I that she called for their removal.

During the time of the Slave Trade (officially 1517 to 1837) many black people were brought to Britain as trophies. Slaves and servants, were sent to London as curiosities and as students.

Kensington is the richest borough in the UK and it has long been an area of wealth. It is not surprising then to find that black people were present in the borough during the time of slavery as slaves and servants.

A close up image of two people standing on the Kings Grand Staircase of Kensington Palace. Copyright Historic Royal Palaces

The King’s Grand Staircase was originally built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1689. Alterations were carried out for George I in the early 18th century. The walls and ceiling were painted in a novel, continental manner by William Kent in 1725. The upper part is an arcaded gallery crowded with members of King George I’s court.

What is shown is a perhaps surprisingly multicultural court including an elegant youth in Polish dress named Ulrich, The King’s two Turkish Grooms of the Chamber, Mehemet and Mustapha and a young black youth. Nothing is known about the youth but Mehemet and Mustapha were taken from Turkey as war captives and travelled with George I to head the British throne. They lived as royal servants, performer domestic and fiscal duties.

A close-up picture of 5 people standing on the Kings Grand Staircase of Kensington Palace. Copyright Historic Royal Palaces

Mehemet was groom, a keeper of the closet, personal treasurer, master of the robes and more. He died at Kensington Palace in 1726, aged 66. Mustapha, survived George I and died in Hanover in 1738.

Thanks to Ester Godfrey who allowed me to use her research into the history of Kensington Palace.

See also: A poem inspired by this era called, A Moor's tale