Cape Verdeans are believed to be Cardiff Docks' first and oldest immigrant community. They were borne from seamen escaping their severely drought ridden country during the very early and late 1800s. These were the lucky ones as not all Cape Verdeans were so lucky as to leave their country by their own volition.
For those of you who do not know the history of Cape Verde a very brief history follows:
The Archipelago islands of Cape Verde are an ex-Portuguese colony approximately 350 miles south west of the Gambia in west Africa. It was under Portuguese rule from the early 1500s although found much earlier.
Throughout the past hundreds of years men and women have been forcibly removed from their villages in mainland Africa, taken to the Cape Verde Islands by the many slave masters. From Cape Verde they were transported by sea to every corner of the world. That was if they were lucky to survive the cruel conditions of their captivity and transportation.
During the late 1800s Cape Verdean seamen were frequent visitors to Cardiff, Newcastle, Sunderland and Liverpool. I have it on good authority that the Cape Verdean crews were preferred by most ship's captains and ship owners because of their good nature and hard working qualities. Apparently the crews were quite happy living for many years on the merchant ships only going to shore when need dictated it but quite happy to stay on board.
Well, that was an exporter point of view and opinion. But then again this was echoed much later by another of Cardiff's coal exporters. This wonderful knowledgeable gentleman also showed me records of the first exports of coal from Cardiff.
The very first cargo of coal to leave Cardiff Docks was to go to Cape Verde, to one of the smaller islands. Cory Brothers (Cardiff) was a firm which had strong links with Cape Verde - their shipping fleet used to restock produce, water and rebunker at Sao Vincente as it has a natural deep water harbour.
It was on one such visit during the early 1800s that my great grandfather Antonio Silva sailed into Cardiff. From clues gleaned from a letter sent to his sister in Cape Verde we found that his visit timed with the opening of one of the docks in Cardiff.
He wrote "there was much fiesta on the quay and the King looked to be a great man". From this we think he may have been one of the crew on an American timber vessel - this ship got stuck in the mud due the dock not being deep enough to accommodate this vessel, the crew had to dig it out. Sadly I could not find any record of the crew.
My great grandfather and my granddad were some of the lucky ones who escaped slavery and worked all their lives as a free men. My granddad started his working life at the age of 11 years old. His first job was on an American whaling vessel which in those days was quite hazardous job for a grown man let alone a child of 11 years (he had added a few years to his actual year of birth).
My granddad's eventual aim was to work for the British merchant fleet who were frequent visitors to his home in Cape Verde. He and many of his countrymen travelled the world on various flagged vessels but all preferred the British merchant vessels. Why? I was told it was because they were treated well and not abused.
One of my granddad's countrymen Joe Almeida was orphaned as a baby. He was brought up by his sisters and the other women of the village until he was old enough to fend for himself. He too, at a very young age had managed to get onto an American steamer, stopped off at Brazil and worked as a dishwasher in a large busy restaurant in Rio de Janeiro.
A large Brazilian rancher spotted him one day and told him dish washing was not for him and took him away. The rancher trained him to become a gaucho, but his dream was to eventually work for the British postal vessels, a dream which eventually came true for him after 2 years working as a gaucho.
During the First World War my granddad and many more Cape Verdeans were to be found amongst the crews on British and American merchant vessels. Then along came the Second World War - my grandfather and many of his Cape Verdean countrymen, who had all survived the First World War were once again crewing on the British and American merchant vessels.
Some were lucky to survive after their ships were torpedoed - my granddad's friend Joe Almeida was one of 10 survivors picked up after drifting for 10 days with out any water or food. They were badly burned by the elements. An American vessel picked them up and took them to the USA to recover - they all eventually returned on British vessels and saw the war out. Some were not so lucky - the father of my recently deceased aunt lost his life when the ship he was serving on was torpedoed.
Cape Verde fought for and gained its independence in 1975 - I believe this to be only Portuguese dominated country to have gained its independence without any blood being spilt. Before this date, the Portuguese could still press gang anywhere between 50 Cape Verdean men or women to work in service either in Europe or America.
At one time the Cape Verdean community used to spread through Cardiff's docklands and surrounding areas. Many were successful businessman but the majority were seamen. Can you name Wales' first black judge? It was Judge Delgado, the son of my grandfather's best friend and countryman.
To me, growing up in the community and hearing the names of Silva, Delgado, Brito, Santos, Rodrigues, Lima, Almeida, Fernandes, Andrade, Ramos, Salustiano, Pires and many more, such names did not seem out of place at all back then.
It is only now that I have got older and looking back in history that such names to me were as common as hearing the names like Smith, Jones or Williams.
Lynda Williams - Cardiff - March 2007
your comments
Lisa Lima Andrade
Hello Lynda, I am a Capeverdian born in Portugal. After some years in Portugal and now I live in Cape Verde. At this moment I am in Bristol and when reading this article I was so amazed how Capeverdians are so universal and they are every where. Since I am here so close to Cardiff I would like to know about this Cardiff Capeverdian society before I go back to Cape Verde in September. Does it still exist? Interesting by reading this article I noticed that you referred to names such as Andrade and Ramos (My husband's surname) and Lima is my father's surname. My great grandfather from my mother side is from Brava and he worked in the whales ships in the latest. But as far as I know his family came from Azores or Madeira and stop in Santo Antao and then move to Brava. Besides names and links, it was very interesting to know more things about Capeverdians. I am fascinated by capeverdians past mainly because of its mixture... If you do not mind I will probably use this in one of my classes when I go back to Cape Verde.
Ray Almeida, Washington DC, USA
Excellent! Your article and the critique of Mr Rensedes of Seattle really resonate with my personal experience. My grandfather, Raimundo Firmo Ramos from Mindelo, Sao Vicente, came to the USA in the early 1900s. When I was a teenager he responded in the Cape Verdean Krioulu to my persistent questions about black/white identity in the following manner: 'We are all sons of bitches! Black, white, Jew, Portuguese, Italian...We are alive because we are all sons of bitches!' I won't say what my fair-skinned , American-born mother, had to say about my brown skinned grandfather's analysis of Cape Verdean identity.
Kieron Casanova
My great grandfather came over on the ships and married a woman from the valleys (south Wales). They then moved to Cardiff Bay (Tiger Bay / Butetown). From there my nana and her siter gave birth to many children and from there formed the rainbow family. I am 25 and remember being on the radio and having photos taken for the newspapers. I have been told that a few books were printed of the rainbow family. I have also been told I have family in the USA, Holland and Italy. If any one is related to my family the Casanovas or Bishops, Johnsons etc drop me a line as I have only found this site today. Peace to all descendants from Cape Verdeans.
Anemi from CV
Great story. Thank you for sharing.
Eleanor Griffiths from Hull
Lynda Williams - what is the name of your aunts' father who died after his ship was torpedoed?
Eleanor Griffiths from Hull
Well hello cousins! Since writing my last entry on this website I have spoken to another cousin -Arthur back end of last year. He knew of Jose or Joe Almeida living in Cardiff when he was young, but had no idea, because of my mothers' illegitemacy that there was any connection with his family at all. He was fascinated. Pedro or Peter, Joe's brother would have been less well known as he, as a seaman only docked in Cardiff from time to time and lodged there with a Mrs Tansley, where he would meet up with his daughter, my mother, whilst Jose lived in Cardiff after marrying Maria Rosario or Mahoney in 1930s. Maria's sister was called Julia Ali who I know had a grandaughter, Vanessa Ali who still lives in Cardiff. Pedro left UK in the 1930s but I know he was at his brothers wedding. Jose and Maria had no children as far as I know.
Jacqueline: Jamaica, West Indies
My maternal Grandfather was Vincent Jose Santos. He married Alma Louisa Clibbett and had 3 children in Cardiff, Wales. I am looking at my Mom's birth certificate here. I have relatives in Cardiff. The birth certificate describes him as "Mercantile Marine, Fireman." If I learn more I'll share with relatives in Jamaica and Wales etc.
Emanuel Alves, Boston, Massachusetts
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about yet another branch of our common Capeverdean roots. Truly fascinating! Thank you for sharing it.
Patric dos Anjos, Taunton, Massachusetts
I think the article is very interesting. I love learning new things pertaining to the history and culture of Cape Verde. Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole)was my first language though I was born in the States. Both my parents were from Fogo, Cape Verde and the came to the US to bring their children more opportunities. We used to like in Brockton, Massachusetts a big CV community and I can relate to what you mean about the last names, but I do appreciate learning the many things I was unfamiliar with.
P White/Duarte, USA
Does any one know any other Duartes in Cardiff besides those from the old Maria Street, or any other areas?
Cheryl, USA
Eleanor G. from Hull...my grandfather was also Cape Verdean & raised his family in Cardiff. He passed just 5-6 yrs before I was born so I didn't have the pleasure of getting to know him. I know this may not be the info you are searching for or bring you comfort or closure but I do understand & wish you well in whatever you find out. By the way...did I mention that my grandmother is one of the 3 sisters of your grandmother!
Eleanor Griffiths from Hull, UK
I was born in Cardiff - I think my grandfather's brother Joe (Jose) Almeida was mentioned by Lynda Williams. He married in Cardiff and did not as far as I know return home & died there in his 90's within a day of his wife's death. My grandfather was Pedro or Peter Almeida, my mother was his illegitimate daughter but I know she saw him whenever he was in Cardiff up until her early teens when she was told he had died. I know so little about him and have never seen a photo of him so if anyone can give me any more information - I can't tell you how exciting it was seeing his brother's name mentioned here!!! There are also other Cape Verdeans in my family - my grandmothers three sisters all marrying Cape Verde men named Duarte, Roderiguez and Da Cruz.
Shaun Depina Boston, Mass
I am absolutely astounded at the fact that CV's have communities across the globe as I have read on this page. Our community here in Boston is very tight knit. I wonder if the same holds true for the other communities around the globe??? Do these communities speak the language and perpetuate the culture? Do they eat the food and enjoy the music of our people? There should be a Global Capeverdean Association established so that these questions can be answered and we can share and build with one another. Just a thought.
D Vieira from Rhode Island, USA
An interesting story. Being Cape Verdean and a 2nd generation American, I am always very interested in historical information about Cape Verdeans.Did you know that we have a Cape Verdean museum in East Providence, Rhode Island. I am on the board and we are always interested in information, photographs, artifacts, etc. that tell the story of Cape Verdeans. Please feel free to contact me.
Samora, Massachusetts, USA
WOW. I loved reading about the Capeverdeans of Cardiff. There is very little information about CV voluntary migration to Europe prior to the 20th century. Amazing how we lost our culture as we changed our names and assumed the Portuguese nationality.
J Resendes, Seattle, USA
This is certainly interesting. But we have to be very careful about how we characterize this history. There is a tendency to take a modern group identity approach to looking back at our origins. The facts are vastly more complicated. Black/White as the differences tend to be seen now were not exactly clear-cut in Cabo Verde or the other Atlantic Islands. The fact is that we are born of slavers and the enslaved; Jews, Gentiles and Moslems; persecutors and persecuted and largely Portuguese. Trying to pick among these is futile as well as inaccurate. We are one of the only purely syncretic cultures. Perhaps that is the gift we have to bring to the world? Not creating division after the fact because some of the facts of our ancestry are uncomfortable. Good and bad, it is ours. This has always been the attitude of those born in Cabo Verde and those who have maintained those connections.
Lynda Williams, Cardiff
For Jayne of Pontypridd, some Cape Verdians anglicised their names it made it easier for their employers to pronounce. But he could have taken a name of a slaver. The Massachusetts whaling museum has some fantastic information as many of the slavers were UK and USA based besides Portugal.
To Higino Octavio in Penarth, the historic facts are well known and kept alive by the children and grandchildren of the our Cape Verdian elders. Sadly, the Cardiff Cape Verdian Community is dwindling but the ties are still strong. We have a Cardiff Cape Verdian Society and they have very strong links with Cape Verde. I am also lucky enough to have my Cape Verdian friends in the USA - their history is well documented. When I lived in the Middle East I found Cape Verdians working there too.
Jayne Morgan
My great great grandfather came to Pontypridd in 1865 having arrived from Cape Verde (St Vincent). He had spent some time on a ship and had an arm traumatically amputated due to an accident on board. His name was Belthazar Antony Ford and he married a Julia Henegan from Ireland. Due to his British last name, I wonder whether there is a slave connection? Any suggestion/advice gratefully received.
Ralph Carlos Rocheteau
There are a long number of people of Cape Verdean ancestry in New England (United States). Many settled on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and in New Bedford. My family on my father's side moved to Massachusetts from Cape Verde in the 1870s or 1880s. They were whalers and fisherman. My maternal grandparents also moved to Massachusetts from Cape Verde in the early 1900s.
Lynne Williams, ex-pat in Toronto, Canada
I did some research on the Portuguese connection to the slave trade in Cape Verde some years ago and found that the owners of the ships that moved the slaves from Africa to Brazil, the West Indies and America were actually Portuguese Jews who had fled or been expelled from Portugal during the Portuguese inquisition against Muslims and Jews. Incidentally, the Cape Verdean owners were the first to traffic African slaves and when slavery was abolished they were also the last to stop trafficking African slaves. However the native Cape Verdeans fared little better than the slaves after the arrival of the expelled Jews, hence you are able to find communities of Cape Verdeans in many port cities throughout the world. To this day they have a wonderful name in the maritime world and I am proud to say that my dear sister-in-law is a Cape Verdean from Liverpool.
Adrian Ainsley, Bristol
I found this article to be extremely interesting and also useful. I recently found out that my Portuguese ancestors were in fact from Fogo, Cape Verde. I have read a lot about the experiences of Cape Verdeans in the USA, but this was the first detailed account I have seen of the Cardiff connection. Cape Verdeans are a mixture of people from several continents. Were all the Cape Verdeans in Cardiff part of the black community? Thanks for a great insight into this fascinating topic.
Higino Octavio, Penarth
I'm of Angolan-Portuguese background. It is incredible - if I had not moved to south Wales, I would never had a change to know those facts. Q: Are those historical facts in the past for Cape Verdeans now? Does the community in Cardiff keep in touch with Cape Verde? As for slavery I wonder how many other African communities have been moved around the world without leaving any historical documentation.
Lynda Williams tells the story of one of the Welsh capital's oldest black communities, whose ancestors were descended from west Africans enslaved by the Portuguese.
