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Draughtboard Alley was an area centred around Crown Street in Canning Town. In 1917, it was the scene of racial disturbances.

The nickname Draughtboard Alley came about because of the racial make-up of the local area. The population was made up of a large number of seafarers, of many nations, working at the Victoria Dock.

The number of black and Asian seamen who came to the area increased during World War One. Many served with the Merchant Navy.

In July 1917, a number of black men were attacked in the area of Draughtboard Alley. At the time, local newspapers reported the violence was caused by resentment over women鈥檚 infatuation with black men.

Local magistrates suggested many of those immigrants who were being targeted were in fact offering much more to the war effort than the perpetrators of the violence.

The end of the war did not bring about an end to racial tensions. In 1919, race riots erupted around the country. As a result many Caribbean and African men were repatriated to their 鈥渉ome鈥� country.

Location: Canning Town, London E16
Image: London Docks, courtesy of IWM

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