Immigrants and Aliens: A Guide to Sources on UK Immigration and Citizenship

Over the centuries there have been many waves of immigrants (or aliens as they are often described in official documentation) arriving in Britain. From medieval times Jews, Huguenots and many religious minorities escaping from persecution have made their home in this country. In more recent times many people from former British colonies have come to Britain for economic reasons.The National Archives holds a wealth of records relating to immigration to these shores: lists of arrivals, naturalisation papers, records of religious dissenters and spies are among the key sources for those tracing individuals or communities who came to the UK from overseas. The guide also provides information on Moving Here, a major new website relating to the experience of Irish, Caribbean, Jewish and South Asian immigrants over the past two centuries.