The fascinating footage shows life in Moss Side and Hulme in 1973
Video footage taken by the BBC of Moss Side and Hulme on December 21, 1973(Image: BBC | Getty)
A fascinating video of South Manchester from the 1970s has been unearthed in the Getty archives.
The footage featuring Moss Side and Hulme shows everyday life for the Caribbean communities living in those areas. The BBC filmed the video as part of a programme about migration to the UK from the Caribbean as part of the ‘Windrush’ generation.
Much of the footage captures the diverse community in Moss Side in December 1973. In addition to shots of Manchester streets, the video shows everyday life in Moss Side, including people shopping and working and life at Hulme Crescents.
Life in Moss Side and Hulme captured in amazing footage shot 50 years ago
The term “Windrush generation” is derived from the ship HMT Empire Windrush, which arrived in the UK in 1948, carrying many passengers from the Caribbean.
Following World War II, this generation was encouraged to come to the UK between 1948 and 1973 to fill labour shortages.
Love Greater Manchester’s past? Sign up to our nostalgia newsletter here
Aerial view of Moss Side taken from BBC video footage. December 21, 1973(Image: BBC | Getty)
Manchester played an important role in the settlement, and many found work in industries such as construction, the docks, factories, and the NHS.
Areas of south Manchester, including Moss Side and Hulme, became popular with Caribbean settlers.
But far from being the welcoming place they had expected, Britain was often a grey and hostile place where poverty was rife, especially in the cities, while racism was commonplace.
Two women walk down a South Manchester Street. December 21, 1973(Image: BBC | Getty)
Windrush Day is marked annually on June 22 as a celebration of the contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants to the UK. They were a vital part of Britain’s makeup then and remain so today.
Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE
In recent years, the name Windrush has become synonymous with the pernicious government policy which resulted in many Caribbean people being deported due to a document blunder.
A game of football in an underpass in South Manchester. December 21, 1973(Image: BBC | Getty)
It was a scandal that cost the then Home Secretary her job and led to heartbreak for so many.
A public inquiry was carried out and found the Home Office had shown ‘ignorance and thoughtlessness’ with ‘irrational’ demands made for multiple documents to establish residency rights.