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Colin was born and brought up in Wales, but knows that his parents came from Jamaica in the 1960s. To help untangle his roots, Colin started his research by taking a DNA test.
His DNA test results were relatively surprising. His genetic make-up consisted of 55% Sub-Saharan African, 38% European and 7% ‘native American’. “Native American” links Colin with the original inhabitants of Jamaica, the Tanio.
From talking to his parents, Colin is able to piece together some of his history. His maternal grandfather, Dee, arrived in Cardiff in 1955 to find work, and brought his children with him. His wife Maria stayed behind and the family lost contact with her.
Colin’s search uncovers a link to a slave plantation and the large Scottish community on Jamaica at the time. His story then moves from Jamaica to the Panama Canal and back again.
If you are researching relatives from overseas start your investigation with your immediate family. They may still remember the journey to Britain, or point you towards relatives who still live in the country of origin.
Researching your ancestry may, like Colin’s story, involve plenty of travel. This may be necessary as far more information is passed on through oral tradition, and less in written form. The National Archives does not hold locally created records of Jamaica so you will not find birth, marriage death or census records here.
One of the best places to access a wealth of information from your home is via Moving Here
. The website lists the main sources available for research, both within the UK and outside, as well as providing historical context for the records and topics covered.
The National Archives also holds passenger lists for ships arriving in British ports from outside Europe, so you may find details of your ancestors recorded here. For more information see our online leaflet
To get the most out of the records you would have to have an idea of when they arrived in Britain, which port they landed at, and preferably the name of the ship they travelled on. The records cover the period 1878-1888, and 1890-1960.
Jamaica Archives
Spanish Town,
Jamaica,
Telephone: (876) 984-2581
The Registrar General, Vital Records Information
Twickenham Park, Spanish Town,
Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 984-3041
Immigrants and Aliens 2nd edition A guide to sources on UK immigration and citizenship
