From the middle of the nineteenth century to the middle of the twentieth century, children were forcibly migrated from England and Wales and sent to work in Canada and later in Australia. The number of children was in the region of 130,000 to 200,000 and they were actively discouraged from ever returning home, even if they could raise the money somehow. Most never saw their families again.
Many of the children sent away, some as young as eight years old, were in children's homes when they were taken. Others were literally picked up from the streets. Permission from the child's parents was not needed. Some parents were told where their children were being sent, for others their children simply vanished.
Some of these migrated children found work in the New World and married, starting their own families and settling well in their new homes. Others were treated badly, neglected, or abused. Some never recovered from being so suddenly taken from the life they once knew.
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Have you got a family member who was migrated from the UK and sent to Canada or Australia? I'd love to talk with you about it. Where were they sent? Did they go back to the UK? Were they sent from a children's home? I am looking at featuring real stories (can be anonymous of course) in a new project.
No matter how many details you do or don't know, please get in touch - either leave a comment below. got to the Contact Us page. or email hello@formerchildrenshomes.org.uk
Thank you! I look forward to talking with you!
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