Hello Tim My DONNELLY family moved from Carlow to Liverpool between 1848-1850, just after the height of the famine which I believe was in 1846, although some sources I have read put this a few years earlier. If you are just after background info on the Irish immigration during this period there are several good books, although some are now unobtainable. In particular one by Frank Neal (M/C University Press) titled "The Liverpool experience; Irish immigration" I cannot get hold of this book, but I know there are copies around. I attended one of his talks at the M/C & Lancs Fam. Hist. Soc. He really is very knowledgeable on this subject, especially on Liverpool and surrounding towns. If you ever see his name in connection with this subject where he is giving a lecture; you must go. Presumably you are searching for your Irish roots! I was extremely lucky in that my people had arrived in Liverpool just before the 1851 census and when I found the listing, a County was shown as the place of birth, rather than just 'Ireland' In addition a young baby was shown born in Liverpool just before the census, and I was able to get the birth certificate, which showed the mother's maiden name. Without these two items; I would have been very restricted for any further research ... as I know, many people are. I have since been able to find a marriage in Co. Laois, in 1826. But there are many more frustrating avenues that all seem to lead to dead ends. Research in Ireland is very difficult, but not absolutely hopeless. I do know of someone whose article appeared in one of the M/C Fam. Hist. Society's magazines, who managed to get a location in Ireland and lots of other information ... and all she had initially was a census showing "born in Ireland" St. Helens was one of many towns as you will know that were inundated by Irish people during the famine years. You have to get as much as possible about your family in this country, and hopefully a clue which will tell you the county in Ireland they came from. If you already know this, you have a start! The best book I have found for Irish research is John Grenham's "Tracing your Irish Ancestors" ISBN 0-7171-1893-3 And Liverpool Library on William Brown Street, has lots of background info relating to the Famine and the Irish people in Liverpool/Lancashire. Hope this is helpful. Regards Jane Coop (West Yorks) > -----Original Message----- > From: Tim Callaghan [mailto:tim.callaghan@4hstc.freeserve.co.uk] > Subject: [LAOIS] Irish moves to St Helens > I would be interested to hear from anyone whose Irish ancestors moved to > England during the famine (1840s/1850s). --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.351 / Virus Database: 197 - Release Date: 19/04/02