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First Encounters

Episode 1 of 4

Historian David Olusoga explores the enduring relationship between Britain and people whose origins lie in Africa. From the African Romans who guarded Hadrian's Wall in the 3rd century AD to the black trumpeter of the Tudor courts, David uncovers a history that is as surprising as it is revealing.

Available now

1 hour

Last on

Mon 1 Feb 202114:00
BBC Two

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Freedom

See all episodes from Black and British: A Forgotten History

Clips

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Music Played

  • Marcelo Zarvos

    Convoy

  • White Noise Research

    An Afternoon On Condale Lake

Credits

PresenterDavid Olusoga
WriterDavid Olusoga
Executive ProducerChris Granlund
Series ProducerJames Van Der Pool

Broadcasts

  • Wed 9 Nov 201621:00
    BBC Two
  • Thu 10 Nov 201623:20
    BBC Two except Scotland
  • Fri 11 Nov 201600:50
    BBC Two Scotland
  • Tue 22 Nov 201600:15
    BBC Two except Scotland & Wales
  • Tue 22 Nov 201600:45
    BBC Two Scotland
  • Wed 23 May 201822:00
    BBC Four
  • Tue 15 Oct 201900:15
    BBC Two except Scotland
  • Mon 15 Jun 202015:00
    Red Button One
  • Mon 15 Jun 202020:00
    BBC Four
  • Tue 16 Jun 202016:00
    Red Button One
  • Wed 17 Jun 202017:00
    Red Button One
  • Thu 18 Jun 202018:00
    Red Button One
  • Fri 19 Jun 202015:00
    Red Button One
  • Mon 1 Feb 202114:00
    BBC Two except Scotland

Featured in...

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How did slave-owners shape Britain?

Presented by David Olusoga