Genealogy Chat

Some good ideas to think about, thank you. I have a distant relative, probably ag.lab.,who left Herefordshire, I'd always thought perhaps to 'better himself' but just wondered how did he know whether there was a job in New Zealand. I guess if they were prepared to work hard, they would be alright. Would there be any records of these sponsorships, adverts etc? in any Record Offices?

The reasons that have been given in the postings are all relevant to the reasons why people left the UK for various countries. There were also clearances in Ireland in a similar fashion to those in Scotland, and an often quoted one here is those of Glenveagh in Donegal. There was also religious persecution of many forms against many religions. Also a fact in some cases was the quest for a better life. The spooky thing is that it seems to be happening again with a lot of people leaving the UK for a, in many cases, cheaper life abroad. Paul

Some residents of the colonies (the rich ones) got together to sponsor immigration of 'suitable' families from England (my 3 x gt grandmother's sister included). The immigrants got free passage, but had to work for a specified time after their arrival to pay back this debt. I think they were usually poor 'ag lab' type families - they may have had a character reference from the parish priest possibly. Have only just found out about this and made contact with the descendants - now in Queensland. The family lost 3 of their 4 children on the voyage to Tasmania in the 1850's. Maz. XX

I wondered that too, as all of my ancestors found their way to Canada. Was told by several knowledgeable GC members that times were rough in England/Ireland and they were looking for better lives for themselves. Almost all of my ancestors came over within a 30 year period -- and several Irish members came over before the famine, which I find odd. Also have found evidence of Ontario, Canada posting ads in England, offering a better life. PS We are on our way in a few minutes to meet a GC member -- a distant relative! I printed out my thread (a couple of months ago) about people leaving England and would be glad to find it tonight; it had great information.

In the 18th and 19th century many Scottish Highlanders were evicted from their land by their landlords to make way for sheep (which were more profitable). Many of thes people were sent to America, Australia and Canada, their fare often payed for by the landlords. On their arrival they often found themselves to be worse off than if they had stayed. If your enquiry has anything to do with Scots, there are many sites about the clearances, if you search through "Google."

I had some who went to Australia in the gold rush. Janice

Hi Gwyneth I think sometimes they were deported for the most minor crimes. Regards Sarah.

When people went out to Australia or America, etc. in the mid 1800s, what were the circumstances,- presuming they went voluntarily?... Did they go on the off-chance of employment, did they answer adverts offering jobs or was it 'by word of mouth', when perhaps a relative or previous neighbour sent back information about the possibilities available?. Surely they couldn't have just set off into the great unknown, especially those folk with wife and children in tow.