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The Irish in England and Wales
By Sherry Irvine, MSC CG FSA Scot Irish Origins includes two databases of the Irish in England and Wales. You can search the 1841 and 1871 census data for people whose birthplaces were recorded as Ireland. This census may be less informative than others but enough can be gleaned from the returns to help your research. In addition, the enumeration took place several years before the devastating famine of 1847-1850 but at a time when significant numbers had made the move already from Ireland to mainland Britain. Background In 1841 the Irish-born population in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) surpassed 400,000. About 70% of the total lived in England and Wales, and about 80,000, 20% of the total, were in Liverpool. Irish workers were an essential part of the Industrial Revolution. They were the labour supply for the heavy jobs, such as building canals, roads and railways. They also worked in the textile factories of Lancashire and Scotland. Besides Liverpool there were large Irish population groups in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Dundee. You can find about this online; links about the Irish in two cities, Liverpool and Wolverhampton, are at the end of the article. The Irish had been journeying across the Irish Sea for a long time but the numbers began to grow in the 1790s. There were many Protestants from Ulster in the early years, more merchants and skilled workers. Then there was a shift to labouring classes, some intending to stay and others coming for seasonal agrigultural jobs. By the 1830s the use of steam ships shortened the journey and cut the cost. Low pay and harsh conditions pushed people out of Ireland. At first, Britain was a more attractive destination because the trip was shorter and cheaper, and not such a final departure. At the time of the Great Famine there was a shift and America became the first choice destination for Irish emigrants. However, the number of Irish in England and Wales continued to grow and by 1861 there were over 600,000 people recorded as born in Ireland. This figure excludes any British born children of earlier immigrants; so, the Irish were a large segment of the British population. The 1841 Census Database The 1841 census gives names of everyone in each household, place of residence, rounded-off ages for those over 15, vague birthplace information, and occupations. It is possible to look for facts to help research in Ireland. Here are four questions to ask.
Other Origins Data This is not the only database of the 1840s available in Irish Origins. You can also search Griffith's Primary Valuation and the William Smith O'Brien Petition. These are later than the 1841 census and may help you narrow the time period of a move or help you find collateral relations who remained in Ireland. If you have been working back through other censuses, found your Irish born ancestors in 1861 or 1851, for example, and found nothing in 1841, then you need to check Griffith's Valuation and the William Smith O'Brien Petition. If you find your ancestor in either or both of these records, you have narrowed the search for the date of migration. Be sure to note the year that Griffith's Valuation occurred in any areas you search. Some of you will be fortunate and discover your England resident Irish ancestor among the 10,000 people living in England who signed the William Smith O'Brien Petition. The detailed information about this database is most useful for understanding what the facts tell you about location. Conclusion Many Irish families had connections in Britain. No matter where your ancestors went, to Canada, the USA, Australia or elsewhere, chances are a relation went only as far as England, Wales or Scotland. Take advantage of 1841 census data within Irish Origins to look for new opportunities in your Irish research. Resources
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