Africans in sixteenth century England: reasons for their arrival; their…

The idea

This topic examines Africans in sixteenth-century England, covering both why they arrived and what their experiences were. For reasons for arrival, consider England's growing overseas trade, including the activities of traders such as John Hawkins, and service in royal and noble households; some Africans came as servants, sailors or musicians, and some were brought against their will through the developing slave trade. For experiences, consider that numbers were small, that status varied from paid servants to enslaved people, and that some were baptised and recorded in parish registers. Expect questions that ask you to distinguish voluntary from forced arrival and to use specific examples rather than assume a single uniform experience.

What earns the marks

• Explains that sixteenth-century overseas trade and exploration brought Africans to England.
• Identifies service in royal or noble households and work as sailors or musicians as reasons for arrival.
• Recognises that some Africans were brought to England against their will through the developing slave trade.
• Describes the varied experiences of Africans, including differences between paid servants and enslaved people.
• Uses evidence such as parish registers and baptism records to show how some Africans lived and were recorded.
• Distinguishes voluntary from forced arrival when explaining reasons.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assumes all Africans in sixteenth-century England were enslaved.

  Put it right: Note the variety of statuses, including paid servants.

• Treats arrival as entirely voluntary.

  Put it right: Include forced arrival through the slave trade.

• Gives a single experience for all Africans.

  Put it right: Use evidence of varied circumstances.

• Places the topic outside the sixteenth century.

  Put it right: Keep examples within c.1500–1600.

Exam tips

• Separate your answer into reasons for arrival and experiences, as the statement does.
• Use one specific example for a reason and one for an experience to show secure knowledge.
• When comparing voluntary and forced arrival, state the distinction explicitly.