Germans in London

[aghadowey]

The number of Germans in London I came across was a surprise to me, that's all. 

Why? London, like many other big cities, has long been a melting pot of people from many many different countries.

[Siely]

"The 1921 English census has 19,615 entries for people b Germany  but 99,353 in 1911 - pre WW1"

Several internet sources such as GCSE history note that the military expansionism of the Kaiser meant growing German public concern for decades about conscription in Germany hence migration to escape it. They could have returned them to Germany for prosecution ?

[aghadowey]

"The 1921 English census has 19,615 entries for people b Germany  but 99,353 in 1911 - pre WW1"

Several internet sources such as GCSE history note that the military expansionism of the Kaiser meant growing German public concern for decades about conscription in Germany hence migration to escape it. They could have returned them to Germany for prosecution ?

I haven't verified the figures you quote- what is the source?- but boundaries in Europe changed after WWI and it may be some people that listed their birthplace as 'Germany' in 1911 but as some place else in 1921 (the same could apply to being born in 'Russia' in 1911 but Poland or other areas in 1921).
Your figures don't give age breakdowns for 1911 vs. 1921 but many of the older people born in Germany, according to 1911, could have died by 1921.

[KGarrad]

Most people of German nationality were interned during WW1
As well as Italians, Austrians and Hungarians.

Presumably, many decided to return home?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internment_in_the_United_Kingdom_during_the_First_World_War

[Siely]

aghadowey,

Those figures are in Reply #5 in this thread.

[CaroleW]

Reply 5 was mine.   

I have found a number of German surnames in London from mid 19th century to 1920s/30s. I found it surprising but maybe due to Queen Victoria cultural influence ?

Your opening post is more of an observation and has no apparent reason behind it hence me asking on 2 occasions whether you had German ancestry.    You say "a number of German surnames" & you found it "surprising"  but don't say what "number" surprised you?

I posted the census figures to demonstrate the number of entries with a German birthplace/surname in those 2 census years which cover pre & post WW1

[DianaCanada]

I must say I have learned quite a bit from this thread, so the original poster's intent is really not that important, is it?

[jimbo50]

I must say I have learned quite a bit from this thread, so the original poster's intent is really not that important, is it?

...and me, I came to a stop whilst looking back for my OH's 'Kaizer' family. I've discovered some new avenues because of this.  Thank you Siely.

[Jackiemh]

There was even a German Hospital in Dalston Place, Dalston, founded in 1845. Offered free treatment to German speaking immigrants. Also cared for English speakers in emergencies.
In 1864, it moved to Alma Road (renamed Ritson Road in 1877) with 100 beds. By 1890, 142 beds. During WW1, the German staff remained at the hospital. Continued to increase the number of beds until there were 192.
In 1940, the German staff were interned on the Isle of Man.
The hospital closed in 1987.
More information is in Wikipedia and Lost Hospitals of London