Somali community research guide

Somalis have been settling in Britain for well over a century. In the 19th century many arrived in Britain as seamen and traders and they settled close to ports such as London, Cardiff and Bristol.

After World War Two with labour shortages in Britain many workers and their families came to the UK from overseas.

Many Somalis came to Sheffield in the 1940s - 1960s period to work, often in the steel industry.

Significantly more settled in the UK during the 1990s as they fled the civil war raging in their country.

Most settled in London, however as there were existing communities in Sheffield, many were attracted northwards. Manchester and Leicester were also popular cities in which to settle.

There are approximately 43,000 Somalis living in the UK according to the latest available census figures (2001).

In Sheffield, there are estimated to be between 2,000 and 5,000 people of Somali origin. The main community centres are Broomhall, Burngreave, Darnall and Firth Park.

For more information on sources relating to the Somalian community at Sheffield Archives and Local Studies Library, download the sources booklet below.

Contact us through our details to find out more, book in advance or order archival materials.