Noble Swarty Black English Knight Otto de Grandson (c. 1238–1328)

Have you ever heard of Otto de Grandson? If you’re a history buff fascinated by medieval England, this name should be on your radar. Otto, a knight from Savoy (a region in the western Alps), wasn’t your average foreign visitor. He carved a unique path for himself, becoming one of King Edward I’s most trusted confidantes and influential figures in 13th-century England.

A Man of Many Hats

Born around 1238, Otto’s story begins with his arrival in England, likely alongside Peter of Savoy. His loyalty and skills caught the eye of King Henry III, and by the time Edward I ascended the throne, Otto had become a valued member of the royal household. Their bond transcended mere loyalty; they were close friends who shared a passion for politics and military strategy.

Otto’s talents weren’t limited to the battlefield. He excelled in diplomacy, acting as a key negotiator during the Welsh Wars. His reward? Edward showered him with honors and lands, including the prestigious governorship of the Channel Islands for over five decades.

A Life Shrouded in Mystery

Despite the wealth of information about Otto’s achievements, some aspects of his life remain shrouded in mystery. One such mystery is his ethnicity. The sole confirmed image we have is a detail of his effigy at Lausanne Cathedral. While some interpretations suggest a dark-skinned man, the limitations of the medium and artistic conventions make it difficult to say for certain.

Historical documents from his time rarely mentioned race unless it deviated from the norm, so the absence of such a description doesn’t necessarily disprove a darker complexion. Further research into Savoyard demographics and consultations with medieval art historians might shed more light on this intriguing question.

A Legacy of Loyalty and Service

Otto de Grandson remained a loyal servant to Edward I throughout his reign, even outliving the king by several years. While his rule of the Channel Islands faced some criticism, his overall contributions to England under Edward I are undeniable. He was a skilled warrior, a shrewd diplomat, and a trusted friend to the king.

So, the next time you delve into the history of Edward I’s England, remember Otto de Grandson – a man of mystery, unwavering loyalty, and a significant player in shaping medieval England’s political and military landscape.

My further research revealed an effigy of Sir Otto in the Church of St Mary at Ottery St Mary, Devon, UK. This is uncommon, suggesting his nobility was so highly regarded that he merited a tomb both in his Swiss birthplace and in England.

Based on the knight’s effigy, even with the intentionally destroyed nose, lips, and removal of brown paint, it’s clear that the man’s phenotype suggests African descent. This raises questions about who the nobility of England, Ireland, and Scotland truly were.

It’s my goal to bring respect to my ancestors and reclaim their rightful place in history.

The destruction of artefacts and the whitewashing of history have left us with a limited narrative that portrays our ancestors primarily as slaves. However, there’s a deep-seated knowing within many of us that our history is richer and more complex. My quest is to prove this.