Black History
People of African descent have been present in the North East since Roman times. However, they start to appear in the documents held at Northumberland Archives during the eighteenth-century. The documents and resources here explore the presence of Black people in the county as well as the links between Northumberland and the Caribbean created by the transatlantic trade in enslaved people.
Below are a series of learning resources created from documents held at Northumberland Archives. They include suggested activities from a range of subjects including PHSE, arts and humanities.
Resources are available to download in Word and PDF format.
Documents
Black History on LEARN – The background
A video introduction to Black History on LEARN.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Black History on LEARN – The resources
A video discussing the resources which informed the LEARN Black History content.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Black History on LEARN – In the classroom
A video guide discussing use of the LEARN Black History material in the classroom.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Bill Listing Items Bought By Roddam From Paplay in Kingston, Jamaica
A bill listing items bought by Robert Roddam, including the sale of enslaved people.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Advertisement for Boxing Lessons, 1822
Advertisement for pugilism, or boxing, lessons taught by Mr Robeson the Black.
Suggested age groups: KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy, Physical Education
African Native Choir Programme, 1891
Programme for a performance given by the African Native Choir.
Suggested age groups: KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Picture of Ira Aldridge in Othello Costume, Mid-1800s
Picture of Ira Aldridge performing as Othello.
Suggested age groups: KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy, Drama
List of Goods for Sale by John Archbold, Grocer of Wooler, 1830
List of items available to purchase from a retailer in Wooler.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy, Geography, Citizenship, Music
Burial of Mary Patterson in Earsdon, 1780
Parish register entry for the burial of Mary Patterson in Earsdon.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Burial of William Wandoe in Hexham, 1716
Parish register entry for the burial of William Wandoe in Hexham.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Letter from John Skerrett to Ralph Carr, 1788
Letter about the current situation in Jamaica, references rebellions, the treatment of enslaved people and opinions on abolition.
Suggested age groups: KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Yorke-Talbot Opinion, 1729
Legal opinion stating that enslaved people brought to Britain were not automatically freed.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Deed Recording the Sale of Enslaved People in Jamaica, 1815
Indenture recording the sale of 14 enslaved people to Jacob Graham from Mary Heward and her husband John.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
Advertisement for the “Hottentot Venus”, 1813
Suggested age groups: KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: History, Literacy
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