S1, Ep6 The Empire Windrush: the ship that defined a generation

Seventy two years ago over 800 passengers arrived in the UK from the Caribbean aboard the Empire Windrush. This episode tells the story of their journey: from their initial optimism to the difficulties they faced adapting to life in Britain. 

The Empire Windrush lent its name to the 'Windrush generation', the people that came from the West Indies to live in the UK over a period of 25 years. Not only did they helped rebuild Britain after the Second World War but they enriched its culture too. These people were the parents, and grandparents, of British comedian Lenny Henry, writer Zadie Smith, footballers Ian Wright and Marcus Rashford, Lea-Anne Pinnock from Little Mix – and many more. 

The Windrush episode is read by the actor Suzette Llewellyn who plays Sheree in the British soap opera Eastenders. Her own parents came to London from Jamaica. 

We are eternally grateful to our amazing sound editor Max Watson. The script was written by Henrietta McMicking, and produced by Camilla Akers-Douglas and Henrietta McMicking. Our theme music is by James Burrell. 

To contact us, email camilla@wonderaudio.co.uk or henrietta@wonderaudio.co.uk 

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