Genealogy Chat

At the same time, there was a lot of assisted emigration to Canada. I'd assumed that one of my ancestor's brothers had simply died in another parish pre civil registration, but found it more difficult to explain away the other brother, complete with wife and three small boys. Then I found a document in the parish chest where the charity commissioners approved the scheme. Dozens of young villagers went and settled in Ontario. Thanks to the miracle of the internet, I've found scores of their descendants - but am really miffed that the first application, with all the lists of names, was in the mid 1830s, so when I looked in 1840, when mine left, there was little more in MH12 than the parish fathers' anxiety to get them all shipped off before the end of the season.

It's fascinating - just never expected any of mine to have left England but I don't know why! Debby

So it wasn't only criminals we sent over there!! Kath. x

Well it must have been very tempting, mustnt it.

Just been reading a family history book. It prints a copy of a letter which was circulated to all Workhouse Masters in the country in 1835. The letter, from the Australian Government, offers free passages to 'healthy and industrious young women of good character' aged between 15-30, both single women and widows. Basically they are required as wives but of course it doesnt quite word it like that. They are told how they can improve their 'miserable' circumstances by going to OZ, where, if they work hard, they can hope to marry into better circumstances than they could expect in England. It particularly wanted those used to farm work but also domestic and general servants. There was a whole ship allocated for this 'of the newest design' (The Canton). Wonder how many women got sent just to clear a space in the Workhouse. Thought you might find this interesting. Marjorie

See below in a minute.