Migration

At the end of the 19th century there was a lot of migration to the towns. There was an agricultural depression in the countryside due, mainly, to cheap imports from the USA. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution the towns and cities had been growing and much of the reduction in the population of Clophill was probabvly due to movement to the cities. Here is an example.

The Ashwells

1891 Census - Clophill

This shows that George Ashwell was born and probably married in Clifton He and his wife had their first child there. They were living in Clophill in 1891 and had another child. Also his younger sister was living with them.

1901 Census - London, Kentish Town, St Pancras

The Ashwell family moved to Gravenhurst where they had three children. By 1901 the Ashwell family had moved to London, probably about 1898 . Daughter Florence had probably died and sister Mary had also disappeared, maybe married. But the family had grown with the birth of daughter Gladis and the twins, Ethel and Edith.

The head of the household at 56 Doynton Street was Alfred Dilley, aged 36 , General Labourer, who was born in Meppershall. His family, wife Fanny 31, brother William 46 (widower), son Alfred 7, and daughter Florence 2, where all born in Meppershall. His youngest daughter, Ann 2, was born in London, Pancras. This indicates that they had moved to London about 3 years previous.

Lodging at 55 Doynton Street was Edward Arnold who was born in Shillington. Did they know each other in Bedfordshire?

The occupation of their cosmopolitan neighbours was very different from their neighbours back in Bedfordshire. They included Railway Signalman, Pastry Cook, Piano Forte Fitter Up, Train Conductor, Cabinet Maker and Stone Mason.