The Making of London: Immigrants and Aliens

From Roman times to today people have come to London seeking safety, work and a new and different life. There is evidence of their settlement in, amongst other places, street names, food and fashion and culture. We will investigate immigration to London from the earliest settlers through the Middle Ages and to the 19th century and briefly consider contemporary movements. The groups may include Anglo Saxons and Vikings, the Hansa, Huguenots, Irish, Germans and Jews, as well as more recent arrivals from the Africa Asia and Eastern Europe looking at where they came from and why and what happened to them in London. We will use contemporary and recent documents to help describe their lives. There will also be an opportunity for class members to present their own research.

- Understand reasons why different groups of people settled in London

- Describe the discrimination they faced and who supported them

- Use primary and secondary sources including documents and locations to identify and analyse relevant places and incidents

This course is for anyone with an interest in London – visitors or residents. No previous knowledge of London history assumed and any necessary background will be provided. This is very much a participative course so it would be helpful if students are able to make contributions; a reasonable ability in written and spoken English will make this easier for everyone.

By the end of this course you will be able to

- Understand reasons why different groups of people settled in London

- Describe the discrimination they faced and who supported them

- Use primary and secondary sources including documents and locations to identify and analyse relevant places and incidents