Surplus People: From Wicklow to Canada

The Great Famine in Ireland was a catastrophe of immense proportions. Eviction, emigration, and death from starvation were widespread. From 1847 to 1856 Lord Fitzwilliam removed 6,000 men, women, and children from his estate and arranged their passage from New Ross in Wexford to Canada on emigrant ships. Most were destitute and many were ill on arrival. Hunger and overcrowding at quarantine stations, such as the infamous Grosse Ile, resulted in further disease and death. Jim Rees explores this tragedy, from why the clearances occurred to who went where and how some families fared in Canada. ""Thoroughly researched.deserves inclusion in history collections.""--Choice. ""Such a book as we have here is welcome""-Boston Irish Reporter.