In 2022, archaeologists worked on the ancient DNA from a number of early medieval cemeteries, and found two individuals that stood out. One was from Updown Eastry in Kent, known as Updown girl, and the other was a young man from Worth Matravers in Dorset. Both were dated to the 7th century and both appeared to have west African heritage.
Two recent papers on these findings, along with other discoveries, highlight that English people from this time with west African heritage spanned generations and social status. The burials of these individuals also show that they were integrated into their respective communities. For example, Updown girl was buried next to her maternal relatives.
As a result, the presence of African heritage should not be a surprise. Early medieval society was much richer and more globally connected than most people believe.
