A Brief History of Black and Asian History in England

The arrival of people from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean has transformed and continues to transform England. The 'Another England' project is gathering your photos and memories to help tell the story of our rich multicultural heritage through place. With help from the public, we have plotted buildings and places where Black and Asian people have settled, worked and socialised on the Another England map.

From 1918 to 2018, the project spans the period from the end of the Great War to the 70th anniversary of the British Nationality Act. This period saw the break-up of the British Empire and the devastation of the country through 2 World Wars.

Another England draws attention to the role that Black and Asian people have played in the building of the nation into a vibrant multicultural society whilst recognising the challenges they have faced and continue to face.

The project explores themes of Origins, Home, Work, Culture, Racism and Resistance, and Place.

  • Origins

    England's modern multicultural population owes much to our imperial past.

  • Home

    When asked where we come from, our first thought is usually of what we consider to be home.

  • Work

    The 1950s saw government-led recruitment drives in former colonies.

  • Racism and Resistance

    People from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia were encouraged by government to come to England, but on arrival often faced racism and discrimination.

  • Culture

    The identities of people coming to England were and still are, as varied as the number of people arriving.

  • Place

    People migrating and settling in England have transformed our sense of place and our everyday experience of the world around us.

Also of interest

Another England: Mapping 100 Years of Black and Asian History
Your Stories: Mapping 100 Years of Black and Asian History