In 2016, the series Black and British: A Forgotten History suggested that the Roman skeleton of a woman found at Beachy Head was from sub-Saharan Africa.
A plaque was erected to commemorate her heritage, which was later removed when a study suggested the woman was more likely to be from Cyprus, with a Mediterranean complexion.
Now a new DNA analysis of the skeleton by scientists at the Natural History Museum has shown that the woman originated from southern England and was white, with blonde hair and light eyes.
Dr William Marsh, who carried out the genetic study, said, “By using state of the art DNA techniques we were able to resolve the origins of this individual. We show she carries genetic ancestry that is most similar to other individuals from the local population of Roman-era Britain.”
The claim about the skeleton’s African origins was made in Prof David Olusoga’s documentary series, which told the story of the “enduring relationship between Britain and people whose origins lie in Africa”.
In episode one, the Beachy Head woman was presented as “sub-Saharan African in origin”, and the programme featured a reconstruction of her features, with dark skin, hair and eyes.
In the programme, Prof Olusoga remarked that “she’s a black Briton”, while Jo Seaman, an expert archaeologist, explained that her African origins and the age of her remains were likely to have made her the “earliest black Briton”....<<<Read More>>>...
