In the 18th century, three men of African heritage lived and worked at Chiswick House, all at different times – and this year, their stories have been uncovered and celebrated as part of the ongoing Black Chiswick through History programme, a collaborative community project that aims to draw out stories of people, places and experiences that connect us to Black history and people of colour.

Joseph Casar worked as a footman and messenger to Lady Burlington, and was a skilled horseman, trusted to carry messages and undertake long journeys. James Cumberlidge joined the household as a young child, and later rose from page boy to paymaster. Highly educated, he also purchased his own printing press, as well as three copies of Samuel Johnson’s famous dictionary – suggesting he may have published some writing of his own (perhaps to be discovered at a future date).

French-born Jean Baptiste Gilbert, meanwhile, was hairdresser to the infamous Duchess Georgiana of Devonshire. A skilled professional, he ran his own hairdressing school, and earnt significant sums of money, thanks to the popularity of the elaborate, towering hairstyles he created.

You can find out more about their stories at a free talk with historian Nadege Forde-Vidal on October 29th at Chiswick House. Private group tours of the House and exhibition are also available to book throughout the autumn and winter seasons.

https://chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/event/talk-black-chiswick-through-history-with-nadege-ford-vidal/