Review by Mary Irvine
More people than ever before are interested in their roots.
This book explores the origins of the people of the Vale and of Dumbarton, but it is much more than a ‘where did they come from?’ account.
In telling the story of the Irish immigration and the Scots migration, the foreword sums up the main aims of the book: Where they came from? Where did they live and make a living?
What were their living and working conditions?
It traces Irish immigration and Scottish migration locally from 1855 – 1900.
The first chapter does also give an overview of influence from the Roman era up to the 19th century and recognises there were Irish immigrants from prehistoric times.
The author looks at how and why these two settlements each attracted people, their development socially, as well as how the areas developed and their demise.
And it goes beyond local influences, tracing how politics and world events influenced and affected local industry and, ultimately, the lives of the people.
The touches of the personal – giving names to people, brings them alive and not just part of statistics. Such as the 11 year-old boy, the son of a caulker, employed – illegally – as a rivet
catcher, who died of injuries received from a stray rivet.
Well written, easy to read, this a fascinating insight for those who want to take the knowledge of their own heritage one step further and beyond.
A real gem.
Available on Amazon at £12.99
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