Key learning points

1. In the early modern period, religion and economic opportunities were the main reasons for migration.
2. There were a small number of migrants who settled in England as a result of the Renaissance.
3. Protestant migrants often had more positive experiences; receiving support from the monarchy, government and Church.
4. Positive relations with authorities could lead to more positive experiences, even for non-Protestant migrants.
5. Migrants had a significant impact on all areas of life, but most significantly on the economy and culture.

Keywords

• Lascar - a sailor who travelled between Britain and its colonies, working in the engine room of ships - quite often in dangerous and inhumane conditions

• Puritan - someone who believes in a form of Protestantism that argued that the Reformation needed to go further and that Protestants needed to strictly adhere to all core beliefs and practices

• Naturalise - to be given the same rights as a citizen of a nation

Common misconception