The Untold Story:

Black Women In 18th Century London

"Black Harriot was stolen in Africa and bore two children by a Jamaican planter who brought her to England," (22).

Did minorities have their place in Eighteenth Century England? How did black women live and succeed in a male dominated, white, racist society? Read about how a black woman worked her way through this period.

PROSTITUTION

Black women like Black Harriot were forced into certain professions such as maids, nannies, and prostitutes. They were forced into these positions because of the social structure in England at the time. Black Harriot was driven to support herself by working all three types of jobs after her husband died of smallpox.

"I was alluring, tall, well made, and genteel. Most of the people I worked for were members of the House of Lords, and I had a degree of politeness and intellect that was scarce to be paralleled in an African female; however, I never gained the respect that I know I deserved and wanted," (22).

Black women were so popular with the upper classes, in fact, that there was an entire Black brothel that catered to noblemen.

SERVITUDE

Black servants had the job of cooking, cleaning, and watching the children. Many black women saw this profession as a good life. They had places to stay, food, and clothing provided to all of the workers. Black Harriot saw this job as boring, however, because it offered her no chance of advancement in society and that is why she chose to be a prostitute (22).

There was a strong feeling of dislike between prostitutes and maids, and neither associated with or respected the other.

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