What was happening in Guernsey in 1861?

[OzzieJoan]

Hi,
Some of my husband's ancestors were in Guernsey on the 1861 census. I wondered if anyone might know of a reason why a Mason would be living there with his wife, but not his children, at that time. Was there a huge building project happening at that time? This is the family:
1861 Census

Henry Dell born abt 1821  England Head  St Peter Port  Guernsey   
Mary Ann Dell born abt 1815  England Wife  St Peter Port  Guernsey   (nee DRURY)
Mary Ann Linden born abt 1843  England Niece  St Peter Port  Guernsey (bap.Jun qtr 1845 St.Giles)

Does anyone know of a way to find out when they travelled from the mainland, please?

Any help appreciated,
OzzieJoan

[Ruskie]

I wouldn't think there would be any record of him travelling to Guernsey from the mainland.

It would be pure speculation as to why he went there and why he did not take the children. You may be correct in that he was only there for a short time for work.

I note that he is with a Niece who was born in Guernsey - perhaps he was simply visiting relatives and just happened to be staying there at census time rather than living there for any length of time - which may also explain the absence of the children. Do you have the children in the 1861 census? Were they staying with relatives?

[OzzieJoan]

Hi Ruskie, thanks for your reply. Yes I do have the children in 1861 and they are living in Oxford with their grandparents.
I didn't make the 1861 very clear - Mary Ann Linden was born "England" just living at St.Peter Port. She was born in Reading St.Giles about 1843/4. She I would like to find on the 1851 but I have let my sub for census images lapse until after my eye operation later in April.
Thanks again for your help.
OzzieJoan

[Ruskie]

Ah ok, thanks for the clarification Joan. 

[KGarrad]

Quoting from the wikipedia entry on the history of Guernsey:

The 19th century saw a dramatic increase in prosperity of the island, due to its success in the global maritime trade, and the rise of the stone industry.

[OzzieJoan]

Thanks, KGarrad, I thought that would be the case but not specific to my couple.

[StanleysChesterton]

There was a mass migration to the area to build the harbour and infrastructure for that.  After Guernsey they moved over to Jersey to do the same.  I've some that did that work.

"The larger main harbour was built in successive schemes between 1835 and 1909"
Source: http://www.ports.org.uk/port.asp?id=141

[OzzieJoan]

Thanks StanleysChesterton. However, I have since found that this family was not part of my Tree. I will see if I can get the original posting removed.
OzzieJoan