Introduction
Researching your family history if you're of African Caribbean descent presents some interesting historical challenges - and there are many resources that can help you.
From very early in our history, there were people of African descent in Britain. Some arrived as part of the Roman army after 55 BC. Others came at the time of the Tudor kings and queens in the 16th century.
'The most recent wave of immigrants started to arrive in Britain a few years after World War Two.'
Later they came through trading links with Africa, America and the Caribbean Islands - often, especially in the 18th century, as slaves, but also as seamen, students and missionaries. The most recent wave of immigrants started to arrive in Britain a few years after World War Two - in response to the British government's plea to its colonies to send workers to help with post-war reconstruction.
It is with these starting-off points in mind that you will probably want to begin your research. First read Wayne Younge's story to get a flavour of where your quest might take you - then follow on for more about the history of British people of African descent, and information to help you look for the records that relate to your own family members.
You should be able to find out a lot via the internet links given in 'Find out more' at the end of this article, and some of the British sources listed, before you need to approach Caribbean record offices.
Published: 2004-11-09
© MMVIII