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The West London town that was once home to the real-life Pocahontas

Disney-favourite Pocahontas, a Native American woman who became associated with the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, lived a life of heroism and struggle - and even spent part of it in London. Before her death in 1617, Pocahontas lived in Brentford with her husband, colonist John Rolfe.

Ealing local historian Steven Richards, 63, says many people are surprised that Pocahontas lived - and died - in the area. He said: “She lived for a short time in Brentford, near to Syon House, and it was here that her boat set off down the Thames [back to Virginia].

“She is known across the world, and her story was famous before any movies were made of her. The Disney animations of Pocahontas’ story are very basic and they don’t reveal the woman she was. The last place you would expect her to have visited is London, and for locals here in Brentford they are often surprised to hear of her story and how she ended up here.“

Sam Mellish / In Pictures via Getty Images Syon Park on the 9th October 2019 in London in the United Kingdom. Syon House is the London home of the Duke of Northumberland. The house was built in the 16th century on the site of the Medieval Syon Abbey, and came to the family of the present owners in 1594. (photo by Sam Mellish / In Pictures via Getty Images)

Pocahontas came to live in London after being captured and brought to England having married John Rolfe. The Virginia Company of London decided to bring Pocahontas to England to show they had 'tamed' a New World 'savage', and display the success of the Virginia colony in its goal to convert Native Americans to Christianity.

Steven Richards continued: “She was progressive in her thinking, and even all that time ago she fought against prejudice, such as racism and sexism. Many people remember her stereotypically, with a bow and arrow and fighting. I think this downplays her actual personality and the role she had in peace-making between the Native Americans and English settlers.

“There is a plaque near Syon House which commemorates Pocahontas and her time there. Funnily enough the actual place that they lived in the past is now a Royal Mail sorting office, and is right next to a Pets at Home.“

Pocahontas died in England, when her time living in Brentford came to an end and she and Rolfe set sail back to Virginia. They only got as far as Gravesend on the river Thames when Pocahontas became ill and died at the age of 21. It is not known what caused her death, but theories include smallpox, tuberculosis or even poison.

Her funeral took place at St George's Church, Gravesend, where she is honoured by a life-size bronze statue. Pocahontas' story was animated and made into a movie by Disney in 1995, this is how many of us know her and why she is a household name. A new movie about her life is being produced and is expected to be in cinemas in 2022. Pocahontas' plaque and more tales of her history can be found at Syon House, which is located in Syon Park, Brentford. 

Reference: My London:Finn Byrne