There were a small percentage of Africans in Medievel Engand. Some came as slaves or servants. Others came free. In english records, they are styled as "blackamoors" or "moors". From what I've read, "Moors" usually referred to darker skinned North Africans while "Blackamoors" referred to individuals from West Africa who were usually darker in complexion and had different features. Some of these slaves were freed. I dont find it surprising that some of these freed black englishmen wouldnt take passage to America. But that does seem to be a little known part of the history of origins of free people of color during the colonial period. Some migrated as free persons.