By the Regency, there were a large number of black people living in Britain. They formed a notable presence in most cities and towns where the majority worked as domestic servants. London offered the greatest opportunities and several prominent black names left their mark on the social and cultural life of the era. Ira Aldridge enjoyed success on the stage, while heavyweights Bill Richmond and Tom Molineaux were famous in the boxing ring.

During this period, members of the metropolitan black community were also becoming increasingly political and outspoken. Most visible was the former slave and writer Olaudah Equiano whose autobiographical Interesting Narrative was published in 1789. Originally from Nigeria, Equiano had been kidnapped aged eleven and sold to a succession of masters before buying his freedom with money earned through his own resources. His book, describing his suffering, was to prove important in rallying support for the abolition movement.