History Extra podcast African history special
Apr 17, 2014
Miranda Kaufmann, a historian focused on Africans in Britain, shares insights from her visit to a replica of Francis Drake's Golden Hind, highlighting the role of Africans like Diego in Tudor exploration. Gus Casely-Hayford, a cultural historian, shines a light on Timbuktu's remarkable history as a hub of cultural and intellectual achievement, and the ongoing struggles for its preservation against extremist threats. Together, they reveal the often-overlooked contributions of Africans to history and the rich legacy of Timbuktu.
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Diego's Journey with Drake
- Diego was an African manservant who joined Francis Drake's Golden Hind crew in 1577 after previous raids in Panama.
- He served closely with Drake but was wounded in a battle in Chile and died from his wounds near Indonesia about a year later.
Africans in Tudor Britain
- Africans on English ships in the 16th century were more common than assumed and served in various roles.
- Records show there were over 360 Africans living in Britain and Scotland between 1500 and 1640, reflecting Tudor England's cosmopolitan nature.
Maria's Story on the Golden Hind
- During Drake's circumnavigation, a pregnant African woman named Maria was taken aboard but later abandoned on Crab Island.
- Rumors suggest Drake might have fathered her child, causing controversy within the crew and subsequent blame on Drake.