River Thames
About East London's immigrants
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In War or Peace. the River Thames East of Tower Bridge has been instrumental in shaping Britain's history. From this stretch of meandering River at Blackwall in East London, many famous seafarers bravely sailed forth to explore unknown oceans and discover new Lands, among them were Sir Francis Drake, Admiral Nelson, Captain Bligh, John Smith, John Rolfe, and Captain Cook, valiant seamen, whose exploration helped to forge new trading links with the rest of the World from which grew a Commonwealth of Nations whose unity and strength have contributed to prosperity across the World which continues to this day.
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The Thames East of Tower Bridge has witnessed much remarkable history, for example: from Blackwall Pierhead on December 29th 1606, King James 1st of England commanded 3 Merchant ships led by the 'Susan Constant', to embark on a voyage of discovery to the 'New World' in order to bring back gold and other treasures, aboard was Captain John Smith who was to establish the first successful English colony called Jamestowne.
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American Indians dispute that Pocahontas, the young daughter of Indian Chief Powhatan, helped save John Smith's life, or that he was ever captured by Indians, nevertheless, Pocahontas did marry the young English sea Captain John Rolfe, whose Tobacco plantations helped lay the prosperous foundations of Virginia and modern America.
- Captain rolfe later returned to East London accompanied by Pocahontas and their young son Thomas, but she became desperately ill on her way downriver from Blackwall, and sadly died, she was given a full Christian burial at St Georges Church in Gravesend where her remains lie buried to this day
- Britains greatest engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the son of Marc Brunel, a Frenchman, lived and died here leaving behind a wonderful legacy of great engineering achievments still in use to this day. Immigrants chose Britain because it has always defended the right of people to live in freedom, with justice and dignity, those who settled here had to overcome local hostility, poverty, and adversity, many to become successful in business, the professions and the Arts. Britain's economy has benefitted greatly from their contribution.
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London, East of Tower Bridge, is also famous for the Greenwich Observatory, here the meridian time-line intersects the Eastern and Western hemispheres of the World, the prosperity of this great City comes from its diverse mix of peoples, and a Commonwealth of Nations with trading links. Jews, Muslims, West Indians, Africans and many other skilled immigrants arrived here from Countries abroad to contribute to the well-being of this Country. During World War Two many joined HM armed forces and fought alongside Britain and her allies in the War against Hitler Fascism.
- During World War Two the people of East London bravely faced a ruthless enemy intent on dominating the World, huge sacrifices were made to defend Liberty and Justice, and to prevent racism, intolerance, and injustice from spreading across the Globe, East London was constantly bombed from the air, yet, even while under attack its resolute people continued to go about their daily tasks, remarkable 'Mulberry Harbours were constructed here, which, on 'D Day' June 6th 1944, helped to successfully land the allied forces on the beaches of Normandy in France, it led to the libreration of Europe from Nazi oppression.
- It should come as no surprise that this great trading Nation has a remarkable history of defending genuine immigrants who seek solace here, many different Races and Cultures have helped to bring trade and prosperity to these shores, as well as to their own peoples abroad. That is why this great Capital City has been, and must always remain, a beacon of hope for those less fortunate around the World .
'Lest We Forget!'
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