Windrush Day 2020 | Across the Seas | Royal Museums Greenwich

The Empire Windrush

The Empire Windrush was a passenger liner that travelled from Jamaica to Tilbury Docks in London, landing on 22 June 1948.

It is most famous for bringing one of the first large groups of post-war West Indians to the United Kingdom. After the Second World War, Britain encouraged immigration from Commonwealth countries, largely to help rebuild the country.

The Windrush carried 1027 migrants who had been asked to come with the promise of employment and a fresh start.

People arriving from the ship were given temporary housing near Brixton in south London where today you can see Windrush Square, which commemorates the ship's arrival.

The Windrush Scandal

In 2012 the British Government and Home Office created new legislation which increased the rules about who could come to Britain to live, receive medical care, an education and work.

These new laws meant anyone living in Britain needed to have official documents to continue living in Britain.

“Because many of the Windrush Generation arrived as children on their parents’ passports and the Home Office destroyed thousands of landing cards and other records many lacked the documentation to remain in the UK.”

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

Despite condemnations from the public and recognition of their failings, the British Government has still not resolved the situation for many of the Windrush generation who have had their lives turned upside down.

Windrush Day 2020 | Across the Seas

In 2020 The National Martime Museum worked with the Caribbean Social Forum to provide opportunities for participants to reflect on the resilience, dreams and legacy of the Windrush generation.

Caribbean Social Forum combats social isolation and promotes well-being among the over 50s through educational talks, dancing, music, singing, news and discussion groups and writing.

This year we worked in partnership with the Caribbean Social Forum and University of Greenwich to develop online resources, talks and events involving different generations to explore Windrush and what it means to people today.