At the beginning of the eighteenth century, there was a great expansion in Britain's black population.
Many wealthy plantation owners were returning to London with their fortunes and personal slaves. Having a black servant was almost like having a fashion accessory - they were flaunted as evidence of wealth.
The Earls of Essex, who lived at Cassiobury in Watford, had no known links to the plantations or slave trade, but employed black servants who were likely to have been recruited in London.
The lives of these servants are recorded in paintings, gravestones and parish records.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex were listed as subscribers to 'The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano pr Gustavus Vassa, Written By Himself' that was published in 1789.
You can find out more about the history of black people in Britain at the BBC website.
Captured in Gambia
A gravestone in St Mary's churchyard tells the story of one of Cassiobury's black servants.
At the edge of the canvas
Artists routinely positioned blacks at the edge of the canvas. This painting of Cassiobury Park is an example.
High life below stairs
An engraving of servants at Cassiobury from 1774, perhaps offering satirical comment on their masters' behaviour.
Turner's different view
A painting by Turner shows a black servant who is well-dressed and evidently enjoys high status among his workmates.
"Othello, a negro"
Documents from Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies tell of the births, deaths, and military service of Watford's earliest black residents.