The first of its kind, this documentary history seeks to support the study and teaching of the subject by using a range of contemporary documents, including extracts from parliamentary papers, social surveys, newspapers, letters and reminiscences to explore the experiences of Irish people in urban and rural Britain between 1815 and 1914.

By reference to themes of migration, settlement, employment, social conditions, religion and politics, the sources contained in this collection not only provide insights into the causes, features and consequences of Irish migration.