Windrush Generation Collection

West Indian immigrants arriving in the United Kingdom. 19th May 1962

Nearly 700 West Indian men, women and children arrive at Plymouth on SS Auriga in a mass immigration party to find homes. Pictured

Nearly 700 West Indian men, women and children arrive at Plymouth on SS Auriga in a mass immigration party to find homes. 8th September 1954

Nearly 1000 West Indian immigrants arrive in three boats trains at Waterloo Station. Many brought with them packing cases containing treasured possessions. 15th October 1961

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

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

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

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

Train arriving at Waterloo Station with West Indian immigrants on the last day before the new United Kingdom immigration act came in to law. 30th June 1962

West Indian immigrants arriving in the United Kingdom on the last day before the new immigration act came in to law. A small boy waits beside his families luggage at Waterloo Station. 30th June 1962

Jamaican emigrants arrive at Waterloo Station 22nd September 1954 A train load of hopes reached London when nearly 700 Jamaicans arrived In search of work

Jamaican emigrants arriving at Waterloo Station 22nd September 1954 A train load of hopes reached London when nearly 700 Jamaicans arrived In search of work. Most of the arrivals were men

A West Indian immigrant arriving in the United Kingdom. 30th June 1962

West Indian immigrants arriving in the United Kingdom. 30th June 1962

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The Windrush Generation, a pivotal chapter in British history, brought hope and ambition to the shores of their new home. Two hundred and four West Indians arrived at Heathrow Airport, their faces filled with anticipation for the opportunities that awaited them. In Brixton, young men eagerly scanned local newspapers' small ads, seeking employment to support themselves and their families. SS Auriga docked in Plymouth, carrying nearly 700 West Indian individuals who embarked on this mass journey towards a brighter future. These brave souls stood outside the Brixton Labour Exchange, determined to secure jobs despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities. John Umelo from Nigeria exemplified the struggles faced by many immigrants; an apprentice engineer forced into bus driving due to prevailing prejudices. Yet amidst adversity, they persevered. Humbert and Somers Pedro's innocent eyes captured both wonderment and uncertainty as they embraced this foreign land at such tender ages. The day nursery in Upper Parliament Street provided solace for these children while their parents worked tirelessly to build a better life. Aboard the Dutch liner Sibajak came 151 women and 330 men from Jamaica - each individual representing dreams of prosperity intertwined with resilience. Their arrival marked another significant milestone in shaping multicultural Britain. As the train pulled into Waterloo Station on that fateful day before immigration restrictions tightened, it symbolized not just a physical arrival but also an indomitable spirit that would forever shape British society. The Windrush Generation's legacy endures today as we celebrate their contributions across various fields - politics, arts, sports - enriching our nation's tapestry with diversity and unity. They embody strength forged through struggle; pioneers who paved the way for generations yet unborn.