Between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, the area around the Royal Docks became one of the most culturally diverse places anywhere in Britain. This came about because of the ships that landed in the docks carrying sailors from across the British Empire and beyond. Most of these sailors would stay temporarily in lodging houses and missions, frequenting spaces such as clubs, shops, or markets around the Royal Docks. Others would settle in the area and build families.

In this film we speak with descendants of this community, as well as academic and local researchers, to try and understand how this mixed community came to existence, what the experience was of the people whom it comprised and what impact it has had on present day Royal Docks, Newham, and East London.