DIVERSITY WITHIN THE FRIENDLY SOCIETY MOVEMENT 1834-1911: THE VALUE TO COMMUNITY STUDIES

Abstract

This article is based on research carried out as part of the Family and Community Historical Research Society project into emigration schemes between 1834 and 1871. It examines the extent to which public financial support for emigration was forthcoming as a solution to the increase in pauperism in the Woolwich area following the run-down of government establishments in 1857, after the end of the Crimean War, and the closure of the dockyard in 1869. How the story unfolded is largely based on reports in the weekly edition of the Kentish Independent. An attempt has been made to answer some questions about the scale of two emigration schemes in terms of numbers, how the necessary finance was raised, the politics, the organization and the destination of the emigrants. Woolwich is situated on the south bank of the River Thames 10 miles down-stream of London Bridge and was at the time the location of a number of government establishments.