26 February
The Alien Arrivals Collection goes online for the first time today, documenting the arrival of more than 610,000 immigrants into the UK between the late 18th and early 20th centuries.
The collection, digitised by Ancestry.co.uk, in partnership with The National Archives, includes some of the earliest surviving records of immigrants recorded under the Aliens Act 1793.
'These collections highlight the growing diversity of cultures, languages and skills prevalent in 19th century Britain - a time shaped by great industrial expansion and optimism', commented The National Archives Migrant Specialist Roger Kershaw.
'The professions ranged from composers, writers and artists to industrialists, politicians and royalty and it's their contribution we still see reflected in our cosmopolitan society today,' he continued.
French Revolution
Following the execution of King Louis XVI of France during the French Revolution (1789-1799), William Pitt the Younger promptly passed the act to log the arrival of immigrants, as government concern grew over the spread of social unrest to British shores.
Thirty-two thousand French citizens arrived in England during this period, many of whom were clergy and aristocracy fleeing the revolution. Today around six million Britons have French ancestry, including Harry Potter star Emma Watson and TV presenter Davina McCall.
Famous names among the records
A number of famous historical names appear in the Alien Arrivals Collection, including:
- Prince Albert - the husband (and first cousin) of Queen Victoria is listed as arriving in London with 14 attendants on 3 June, 1839
- Jacques Offenbach - the German born French composer famed for the operettas 'Orpheus in the Underworld' and 'La belle Hélène' arrived on 7 May, 1844
- Paul Reuter - the German entrepreneur, who was a pioneer in journalism and founder of Reuters news agency, is listed as arriving on 14 June, 1837 with the profession 'director of electric telegraph'
Ancestry.co.uk International Content Director, Dan Jones, said: 'Literally half of all Brits have immigrant ancestors and with more historical immigration records now online than ever before, there has never been a better time for Brits to start exploring where they may really have come from.'
Unveiling the collection
The collection will be unveiled by actor and historian Tony Robinson at Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE, which takes place at Kensington Olympia from 26 - 28 February. Get 2 for 1 tickets to the event now.
Buy Migration records: A guide for family historians, by Roger Kershaw, for more information on searching for ancestors.
