Irish immigration to North Wales in the 1700s ?

[Gordon Hughes]

Dear all,

Thanks for all the replies.

Maggsie - yes I've been looking at the genealogical sites to do searches. I've been checking Ancestry but yet to have a look at Familysearch. The interface on FindmyPast isn't really helpful to do that sort of query though.

Gadget - yes, I've noticed the concentration of Williams in Caernarvonshire. Llanenddwyn isn't that far from Pwllheli and Llanfihangel Bachellaeth and I think our Williams did wander around that area. If you're not aware of it, then this site is quite interesting - http://gbnames.publicprofiler.org/ - if you want to look at surname distribution in the UK.

Also - and correct me if I'm wrong - I seem to notice more of a tendency to use Welsh patronymics in that part of the country in the early 1800s, which can be a bit confusing with the surnames.

Gordon

[Gadget]

Yep - patronymics were usual down to the end of 18th century and beyond many in Welsh counties, although the eastern counties were mainly using surnames by then.  Some parishes varied between patronymics and surnames depending upon who the vicar/parish clerk was.  My 2xgrt grandfather and his brother, b Llangower in the late 1700s, were baptised using the patronymic form. The brother took the father's first name as his surname and 2xgg took the last name. It took me ages to work out their relationship  but it all became clear when his brother married late and the cert gave the game away 

As an aside - isn't/wasn't there a gold mine in Llanaber?

Gadget

[Gordon Hughes]

Ah now, I've not heard about the goldmine. I'll check that one out !

Gordon.

[Maiden Stone]

A couple of bits about Irish linen industry which may have influenced movement between the 2 islands:
Much of Irish linen exports went through port of Chester in first half of 18th century. A lot of this trade moved to Liverpool in latter half of century.
The linen trade took a downturn in early 1770s. (Caused by developments in cotton production.)
Linen accounted for about half Ireland's total exports by end of 18thC so any changes to the industry had an effect on the country.
There was linen production in County Cork.

[Maiden Stone]

There was a goldrush in Co. Wicklow 1790s-1800s. There's gold in Co. Cork and other Irish counties.