Itinerant Sailors and Displaced Ayahs: Discover Untold Wartime Stories at West India Docks

Explore Hidden Histories at Guildhall Library This July

On Monday, July 21 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, head to Guildhall Library, London, for a powerful and eye-opening talk that peels back the layers of wartime history at the West India Docks.

Titled “Itinerant Sailors and Displaced Ayahs: The West India Docks During Wartime,” this unique event will be led by celebrated author Renita D'Silva, who will explore the fascinating backdrop behind her new historical novel, New Arrivals on West India Dock Road.

Set in the late 1930s, as war loomed on the horizon, the West India Docks were a melting pot of global journeys, unexpected friendships, and quiet resilience. Seamen from across the British Empire docked there, creating a transient but vibrant multicultural hub. Among them were ayahs—Indian nannies brought to England by colonial families and often abandoned once their services were no longer needed.

Through D’Silva’s insightful talk and a live reading from her novel, attendees will be immersed in the emotional journeys of these forgotten women and the itinerant sailors who found themselves stranded in a foreign land. This is more than a book talk—it's a celebration of identity, survival, and the overlooked stories that shaped London's East End during wartime.

Event Details:

🗓 Date: Monday, July 21
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (GMT+1)
📍 Venue: Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH
📺 Online Option: YouTube livestream link will be sent 24 hours before the event
📩 Contact: ghlevents@cityoflondon.gov.uk
🎟 Tickets: Book here via Eventbrite


Whether you’re a history lover, a literature enthusiast, or simply someone who cherishes untold stories, this one-hour session promises a deeply moving experience. Secure your spot today—spaces are limited!