Cattelena Explained

Cattelena (died 1625) was an African woman who lived in Almondsbury, Tudor England.^{[1] [2]}

Biography

Cattelena is primarily known from her posthumous inventory dated 1625.^[3] Her Hispanic name suggests origins connected to Spanish or Portuguese territories.^[3] The term "independent singlewoman" from her inventory indicates she was self-reliant, similar to about 30 percent of Tudor women.^[3]

Cattelena's livelihood seemingly derived from her most valuable possession, a cow, suggesting she traded surplus dairy products.^{[3] [4]} Despite this, her means were modest, as evidenced by her shared accommodation and the humble belongings listed in her inventory.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: BLACK TUDORS...A peek into the lives of ten people of the African Diaspora who lived in Tudor Britain. February 14, 2008. Black History Month 2023.
2. Web site: Tudor, English and black – and not a slave in sight. October 29, 2017. The Guardian.
3. Web site: Africans and their lives in Tudor England. BBC Bitesize.
4. Web site: Black faces of Tudor England. HistoryExtra.