Starter Source 2: A West Indian in England

Extract from an information booklet written by H.D. Carberry and Dudley Thompson called ‘A West Indian in  England.‘ Catalogue ref:  CO 875/59/1

The booklet aimed to give immigrants information about life in Britain. It was distributed by the Colonial Office to colonies in the Caribbean, 1949-1951. This part describes the difficulties in finding accommodation.

Contains original language used at the time which is not appropriate today.

Transcript

This is not always easy. It is particularly difficult in London, where the blitz destroyed thousands of houses and even the English student finds it difficult to get lodgings. You have an additional difficulty, “colour prejudice”. You may find that on answering an advertisement for lodgings by telephone or letter and saying you are a student or tourist you will be told by the landlady that the rooms are available, that the rent is so much, and would you like to come and have a look at them? On arrival, the landlady, suppressing a gasp, and puzzling over the fact that a coloured person could have so English a name as Smith or Brown, will politely tell you that she is very sorry, but she has just let the rooms to someone else who also answered the advertisement. This will hurt, because in most cases you will be sure that it is untrue, but there is little that you or anyone can do about it. The basic cause is the misconception behind the prejudice. Often the landlady might have been prepared “to risk the unknown”, but fear of what the neighbours would say has deterred [put her off] her…

« Return to Empire Windrush: Life for Migrants in the 1940s and 50s
  • How had the ‘blitz’ made it difficult to find somewhere to live?
  • What does the term ‘colour prejudice’ mean?
  • Why have some migrants found it difficult to find somewhere to live?
  • What does this source suggest about how white British people treated Caribbean migrants?
  • Do you think that the booklet gives a true picture of Britain? Explain your reasons.
  • Why do you think this booklet was made?
  • Find out about the lives of  H.D. Carberry and Dudley Thompson