The Kerry Girls: Emigration and the Earl Grey Scheme

by Kay Moloney Caball

As part of the controversial Earl Grey Scheme, this is the true story of the Kerry girls who were shipped to Australia from the four Kerry Workhouses of Dingle, Kenmare, Killarney and Listowel in 1849 and 1850. Leaving behind scenes of destitution and misery, the girls, some of whom spoke only Irish, set off to the other side of the world without any idea of what lay ahead. This book tells of their ‘selection’ and their transportation to New South Wales and Adelaide, their subsequent apprenticeship, and finally of their marriage and attempts to rebuild a life far from home.

Genres: History

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Kay Caball is a genealogist specialising in Kerry ancestors, and runs the website www.MyKerryAncestors.com as well as publishing a weekly blog on local sources and issues. She has written several works on local history and families. Kay is also active in local Kerry organisations and has been a Member of Tralee Urban District Council 1979-1984; a Member of the Governing Body of the Institute of Technology Tralee 1993-1999, and is a Member of Kerry Archaeological & Historical Society.

Reviews

[Nicola Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meticulously researched, this is a very thorough telling of what happened to the primarily female orphans who bravely volunteered to leave Kerry for a strange country on the other side of the world, Australia. Taking this step released them from the dreaded, and overcrowded, workhouse. Some were luckier than others and Caball goes to great lengths to present the different experiences concerning the various ships and their crew. I definitely want to read more about Surgeon Superintendent Charles Strutt because he stands out as a genuinely intelligent and compassionate man who took his responsibilities very seriously. He brought 'his girls' to Sydney and then ensured that each girl was employed by good people. it is most fortunate that he kept a diary too. These girls had to deal with numerous challenges ranging from the physical, like Australian wildlife and the weather, to blatant discrimination because of their sex, nationality and religion. I was glad for the photos on offer. It's a story I knew little about but am happily researching it now.

[Georgia Mcglasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic report on the lives of specific emigrants from Kerry, Ireland

This report on the emigration of young women from Kerry, Ireland to Australia reveals many facets of life in both countries. Incorporation of family histories of the girls add both interest in and information about the girls' later lives.