Black History Month - A Short History of Windrush

After WW2, defeating the Nazis left the UK in ruins and many cities and towns needed to be rebuilt. Although people could begin to work again and were able to live their day-to-day lives, there was not enough labour to carry out the jobs that needed to be done. The Government, therefore, reached out to the members of the Commonwealth in the Caribbean and many prepared for a life in the UK. 

 

The Empire Windrush is significant as it officially gave notice to the Nation and the world that migrants from the Caribbean were now being regarded as citizens of the UK. Arriving in 1949, many regarded Britain as the Motherland. Many were ex-service people who played a role in the war, some planned to stay and many planned to return. 

 

At the Docks of Tilbury, they arrived seeking opportunities, homes, and food for their families. Despite many setbacks, they persisted in helping to rebuild Britain and created new lives for themselves and paved the way for future generations, who make up Britain to this day.