Windrush Collection

Jamaicans on board the Empire Windrush
Jamaican men on board the Empire Windrush who have come to Britain to seek work; some of the men, dressed smartly in jackets and ties, are reading a newspaper

MV Empire Windrush, best known for the arrival of West Indian immigrants at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948. Date: circa 1948

Empire Windrush 1948
The Empire Windrush sails up the English Channel towards Londons Tilbury Docks, carrying 400 Jamaicans who have come to England in search of a new life

Young West Indian men standing outside the Brixton Labour Exchange looking for employment. 11th March 1954

John Umelo an apprentice engineer from Nigeria, who can only get employment as a bus cleaner due to the colour bar. 11th March 1954

Bourton-on-the Water, c. 1925
View looking south over the River Windrush. A young boy sits on New Bridge, built in 1911

River Windrush, Burford, Oxfordshire by H. Sylvester Stannard

Windrush (Panel), London, 1883 (produced 1917 / 25). Creator: William Morris
Windrush (Panel), London, 1883 (produced 1917/25)

Two of the one hundred and two West Indians seen here arriving at Heathrow Airport from Kingston, Jamaica. Mostly young couples

One hundred and two West Indians seen here arriving at Heathrow Airport from Kingston, Jamaica. Mostly young couples and families they were taken to Victoria Air Terminus after clearing customs.Young

Eight year old Humbert and his six year old brother Somers Pedro seen here experiencing snow for the first time, shortly after they and 145 other Jamaicans arrived at Dover. 4th January 1955

Young West Indian men in Brixton looking through the small ads in the local newspapers for jobs. 11th March 1954

In the day nursery in Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool, children of all ethnic backgrounds play happily together. Whilst in the wider community immigrants to the UK are facing problems of a colour

151 women and 330 men seen here arriving from Jamaica aboard the Dutch liner Sibajak. They have come to work in Britain and each paid 80 for the passage

Wiltshire SN6 7 Map
Postcode Sector Map of Wiltshire SN6 7

West Oxfordshire OX18 4 Map
Postcode Sector Map of West Oxfordshire OX18 4

Cherwell OX17 2 Map
Postcode Sector Map of Cherwell OX17 2

Kingston upon Thames KT3 3 Map
Postcode Sector Map of Kingston upon Thames KT3 3

Into Southampton came another 130 immigrants from the West Indies. Their assets are a few pounds in their pockets - and a touching faith in Great Britain

Picture No. 10900465
River Windrush - early morning sun Date:

The Windrush River, Burford, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Bridge over the River Windrush, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Alongside the River Windrush, Bourton on the Water, The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom, Europe

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"Windrush: A Journey of Hope and Resilience" In 1948, the Empire Windrush set sail from Jamaica, carrying Jamaicans seeking new opportunities in Britain. The MV Empire Windrush became a symbol of hope for those embarking on this historic journey. As the ship docked at Tilbury Docks, it marked the beginning of a significant chapter in British history. Two of the one hundred and two West Indians arriving at Heathrow Airport captured the spirit of determination and courage that defined this momentous event. In Brixton, young West Indian men eagerly scanned through local newspapers' small ads, searching for employment opportunities. Their presence added vibrancy to this diverse community as they stood outside the Brixton Labour Exchange hoping to secure jobs. The story extended beyond Jamaica's shores; John Umelo, an apprentice engineer from Nigeria found himself working as a bus conductor due to limited job prospects. His experience highlighted both challenges faced by immigrants and their unwavering resilience. Away from bustling cities, the serene River Windrush in Burford served as a reminder of England's picturesque landscapes where many settled down to build their lives anew. Meanwhile, Bourton-on-the-Water showcased timeless beauty reminiscent of earlier times. Reflecting on historical context, William Morris' 1883 "Windrush Panel, " produced decades later in 1917/25 depicted London's connection with its riverside heritage - an artistic tribute capturing cultural significance that would become even more prominent years later. Maps depicting Wiltshire SN6 7 and West Oxfordshire OX18 4 remind us that these journeys reached far beyond urban areas; they touched every corner of Britain as individuals sought belonging and opportunity across various regions. The legacy left by those who arrived aboard Windrush is immeasurable. Their contributions enriched British society culturally, economically, and socially – shaping modern-day multicultural Britain into what it is today.