The story of Empire Windrush - Info pack

The HMT Empire Windrush is a significant historical symbol, marking the beginning of the Windrush generation's migration to Britain. On the 21st of June 1948, this British troopship arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex, bringing with it a diverse group of passengers from the Caribbean and other regions, all in search of new opportunities in post-war Britain. The arrival of these individuals signalled the start of a significant period of Caribbean immigration, which lasted until 1971. Despite the promise of job opportunities that attracted many to Britain, the Windrush migrants and their families later faced severe challenges. These included threats of deportation, denial of healthcare and benefits, and loss of employment. The UK government eventually acknowledged these injustices, issuing an apology and offering compensation to those affected in 2018.

The Empire Windrush passengers included not only Caribbean migrants but also Polish nationals displaced by World War II, members of the Royal Air Force, and individuals from Britain. The ship's passenger list reflected a wide array of origins, with 539 passengers from Jamaica, 139 from Bermuda, and 119 from England, among others from countries such as Mexico, Scotland, and Wales. Despite the contributions of Caribbean citizens to Britain during the Second World War, the post-war Labour Government created barriers to their settlement, reflecting the racial tensions and discriminatory policies of the time. The term 'Windrush generation' has since become associated with the early Caribbean migrants who arrived between 1948 and 1971, and their struggles and contributions have left a lasting impact on British society.