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SUMMARY:My Country is My Home: The Polish Community in the United Kingdom
UID:https://instytutpolski.pl/london/2025/08/11/my-country-is-my-home-the-polish-community-in-the-united-kingdom/
LOCATION:
DTSTAMP:20250705
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Warsaw:20250705
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Warsaw:20260301
DESCRIPTION:5th July 2025 - 1st March 2026, Free, Boston Manor House Boston Manor Rd,
Brentford TW8 9JX
The Polish community in the United Kingdom has a long and diverse history,
shaped by multiple waves of migration. Early movements were driven by
political upheavals like the Partitions of Poland in the late 18th century
and 19th-century uprisings, but it was the events of the 20th century that
truly defined the Polish presence in Britain.
The largest migration wave occurred during and after the Second World War.
Thousands of Polish soldiers, airmen, and civilians arrived in Britain,
contributing to the Allied war effort. Led by the Polish Government in
Exile, which based itself in London, they worked to represent a free Poland
on the world stage. With Poland occupied by the Soviets after the war and
transformed into the communist Polish People’s Republic, many Poles had
no choice but to remain where they were. These early post-war years saw the
establishment of vibrant Polish communities, which, despite the challenges
of displacement, retained strong cultural traditions.
Another big wave of migration occurred after Poland’s accession to the
European Union in 2004, when many Poles moved to the UK for economic
opportunities, making Poles one of the largest immigrant groups in the
country. The significance of the Polish community is reflected in the 2021
UK Census, which identified Polish as the most spoken non-native language
in England and Wales. Despite challenges such as Brexit, which introduced
uncertainty for many, the Polish community remains a vital and enduring
part of British life.
Curated by Olga Topol and Magdalena Paczocha
Find out more: HERE
Additional Activities connected with the Exhibition:
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