History

It is believed that the first Welsh emigrants to the New World were Madog ab Owain Gwynedd (Prince Madog) and a band of settlers back in the 12th century.

Throughout history people have emigrated from Wales for a variety of reasons including religious persecution, poverty and to escape conflict.

Emigration was especially prevalent in the more agricultural areas of Wales. Poor harvests and increases in land rent made life very difficult. There was little chance of alternative employment so people began to emigrate overseas to North America, Australia and New Zealand in search of a better life.

Emigration continued throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with the development of copper mining in Australia, and industrialisation of the iron and coal industry in the USA.

Read on to discover more about Welsh emigration.