As part of its Festival 400, the Historic Dockyard Chatham has opened a new exhibition looking at the contributions black people in Kent made in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Untold Stories: A Celebration of Black People in Kent, which runs until Sunday, December 2, is being staged in partnership with the Medway African and Caribbean Association (MACA), the Black History Live team, and with National Lottery funding.

The display in No.1 Smithery, tells the story of African and Caribbean people across Kent and Medway in the 19th and 20th centuries and celebrates their incredible - but relatively unknown - contributions to politics, armed forces, sports, religion, society and the arts.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Among those featured are William Cuffay, a campaigner for political rights, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a distinguished composer and Sarah Forbes Bonnetta (Goddaughter of Queen Victoria).

The exhibition will also feature the Front Room set - a part of the African and Caribbean culture because it was a special place in the house that took pride of place. Many families that arrived in England during the 19th and 20th century had to share houses, and as such wanted to keep a special place to entertain friends and family.

Richard Holdsworth, preservation and education director of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said: "From the outset, we have been thrilled to be working alongside the Medway African Caribbean Association, firstly through our Command of the Oceans project and now with the creation of this exceptional temporary exhibition that really captures the often unheard stories of the black community within Kent. This exhibition promises to be an intriguing, interactive and vibrant experience for all those who visit."

The cost is included in the general admission price, which also gives access to all the usual dockyard attractions. More details at thedockyard.co.uk