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1948

You are in: London > 2012 Olympic Games > 1948 > 1948 - The arrival of MV Empire Windrush

MV Empire Windrush

MV Empire Windrush

1948 - The arrival of MV Empire Windrush

It was a crucial moment in the story of migration to Britain when this ship docked in Tilbury from the Caribbean. Hear from on of those on board - who's since stayed on for 60 British winters!

In these days of cheap air travel and weekend-breaks to exotic climates, 8,000 miles might not seem like far.Ìý But now imagine that you've had to save for years, or borrow from your best friends, or sell all your posessions, to pay for the 8,000 mile trip.Ìý And think too that you've left all your family behind, not knowing when you'll be reunited, and you actually haven't a clue what the place you're travelling to is like.Ìý Does 8,000 miles feel a bit further now?ÌýÌýÌý

Sam King

Sam King, who arrived on the Windrush 60 years ago

That was pretty much the situation for many of the passengers on board the Windrush when it came into a bleak Essex port on June 22nd 1948.Ìý The 492 passengers on board came from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other islands, and while they weren't the first Caribbeans to settle in London, they were the largest group to arrive en mass.Ìý

Those on board who did have a clue about the country they were travelling to were mostly ex-servicemen who had fought in British units during the second World War.Ìý But the reception they were to get was very different to how they'd been greeted when Britain needed them to fight.

Some in Britain were startled by the imminent arrival and questions were even asked in Parliament.Ìý But as the passengers disembarked they were walking into a new life, and a new era in Britain.Ìý

In her report, Evadney Campbell captures the mood of the time and speaks to one of the passengers who has made his mark in Britain in the intervening 60 years.

Sound Artist Nora Wendel

Nora Wendel,

And listen too, to Nora Wendel's soundscape - captured for a project run at Hoxton Hall in East London to mark the 60th anniversary of the ship's arrival.

last updated: 25/08/2008 at 01:42
created: 24/08/2008

You are in: London > 2012 Olympic Games > 1948 > 1948 - The arrival of MV Empire Windrush



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