Introduction
For centuries, Britain has been the final destination of groups of migrants from Europe. Initially, the new arrivals were not welcomed with open arms - successive waves of invaders displaced local populations, from the Romans to the Angles and Saxons, with Vikings from Scandinavia gaining control in the 10th and 11th centuries before the Normans took the throne in 1066. After the Conquest, communities of foreign nationals - technically referred to as 'aliens' - have resided in Britain to work, ranging from are Italian bankers, German traders or merchants from the Low Countries.
Names of prominent individuals often appear in official records, though aside from some taxation records it is very difficult to trace back your family to specific individuals. Consequently, the first major group of European immigrants that can be traced with a degree of confidence arrived in the 16th century, namely the Huguenots who were fleeing religious persecution in France. A further wave arrived in the late 17th century, and predominantly settled just outside the walls of the City of London in the area that was to develop into the East End, around Bethnal Green and Spitalfields. Many people claim descent back to the early Huguenot arrivals, and if you have heard a similar story concerning your family, you can undertake research at the Huguenot Library, London, as well as the relevant local archives where residency records are likely to reside.
Published: 2006-09-14
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