Holy Rood Church
beyond the Windrush
The Projection
This projection explores Black history in Southampton as a long, layered story that goes beyond a single moment or arrival. While the Windrush generation is a vital part of that history, it marks the beginning of decades of cultural contribution, influence and community-building – not just a point of arrival.
As a major port city, Southampton has long been shaped by movement and exchange. Black presence here extends both before and beyond Windrush and has played a sustained role in the city’s cultural life. Examples such as the influential jazz scene of the 1950s to later reggae, sound system culture and groups like The Ebony Rockers, are used to highlight that Black creativity has shaped Southampton’s music, social life and identity.
Created with Community Curator Abdourahman Sanneh, the projection brings these histories together to show that Black presence in Southampton is not a single story or moment in time, but an ongoing part of the city’s life across generations.
Find this show
Holy Rood Church, 3-5 Bernard St, Southampton SO14 3AU
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Holy Rood Church
First recorded in the 1100s and rebuilt on its current High Street site in 1320, Holy Rood Church was one of five original churches within Southampton’s medieval walled town.
Over the centuries, Holy Rood Church was closely connected to people on the move – sailors, merchants and visitors – and witnessed key moments in the city’s history, from medieval conflict to royal visits, including Philip of Spain’s prayer here in 1554 before meeting Queen Mary I.
The church was devastated during the Southampton Blitz in 1940 and today it remains an open ruin and memorial.
Access Notes
The projection at Holy Rood Church is viewed from outside, within the open ruins of the church. Viewing takes place outdoors and is largely step-free, with space to move around the site.
British Sign Language (BSL)
There is level access to the ruins. Ground surfaces may be uneven in places.
The projection can be enjoyed at your own pace without entering any enclosed space.
A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter will be present at each projection location every evening from 6–8pm for the full duration of the projections.
Audio Description
Listen to an audio description of this projection, created to support blind and partially sighted visitors. Audio descriptions offer a spoken overview of the visual artwork and key moments within the projection.
audio description
Curator and Community Spotlight
Abdourahman Sanneh was the Community Curator for the Holy Rood Church projection, working with members of Southampton’s African diaspora on the theme of People and Global Connections.
His approach to the project was rooted in research and direct engagement with community networks, including TUVAA(The United Voice of Africa Association). More than Windrush explores Black migration to Southampton across different periods, combining social history and cultural influence to show how communities have shaped the city.
The collaboration brings together archive material and contemporary perspectives, offering a broader view of Southampton’s past and its influence on life in the city today.
Abdourahman Sanneh
Interview
Archive Spotlight
Name of spotlight item
Credits
Produced by:
Southampton Forward, in partnership with Southampton City Council
Creative Partners:
Double Take Projections and Light Up Trails
Supported by:
Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Collection Credits & Copyright:
Archival material from Southampton Cultural Services
Portrait of Jacques Francis © Joe Lillington, courtesy of Arena Illustration
Photographs of Alf Charles and Wallace Brothers courtesy of Duncan Holley
Map reproduction courtesy of the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library
Don John
Windrush portraits © Nosa Malcolm
For images or other media from the collections held by Southampton Cultural Services, great care has been taken to identify all copyright holders correctly. Where copyright is unknown, or credited incorrectly, we welcome any information that might lead to the copyright holder. In cases of errors or omissions, please contact [email protected] so that we can ensure images are correctly credited in future.
Script & Narration:
Voiced by Abdourahman Sanneh alongside contributors from the African diaspora. The script was developed collaboratively through the project.
