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The Poor Law Records

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Bob tells us about some of his research findings using the Poor Law Records: -

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"I find myself quarrying the Poor Law Records here in Scotland (Glasgow and Paisley), which are a mine of information.  They provide background details of applicants as well as details of an applicant’s family which can provide a graphic account of  their domestic and other circumstances.

Without raking over the past, suffice to say I always knew that my grandmother namely, Esther Titterington knew hardship.  She was one of several children born to Irish immigrants named Alexander Titterington and Mary McAleenan who were married at St. John’s Parish Church, Moira and duly arrived in Glasgow circa 1871.  This fact which was perpetuated in the course of Esther's marriage to James Currie, a labourer born 1863 in County Armagh and who died in 1913 aged 50. Sadly, his health was undermined by his work, such that in 1895, Esther made her first application for Poor Law Relief and this continued through to 1913 when James died in Stobhill Poor Hospital (annex of Barnhill Poorhouse, Glasgow.   James was an inmate from time to time while his wife and family were recipients of what was termed Outdoor Relief.

The above research has led me to research Poor Law Records for Esther’s Father Alexander and, sure enough, he too was reliant on Poor Law Relief at a period in his life. 

The point I am at pains to labour is, that it strikes me that current Titterington researchers might be encouraged to put, pardon the pun, flesh on the bones of their ancestors by searching the Poor Law Records of the various districts mentioned on the website. Such action will put life into their Family History research beyond names, dates, occupations and allow them to get behind the cosy myths they have come to believe. Their eyes will be opened to the truth surrounding the working poor of Ireland."

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Many thanks to Bob for his thoughts on this.

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Poor Law Records: -      https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Ireland

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