Bridgwater Emigrants to Canada 1831

Bridgwater, Somerset, England to Quebec, Canada - 1830s

According to 'A Bridgwater Diary' by Philip J. Squibbs:

"Three hundred and sixty persons, principally labourers and mechanics, among whom were many entire families, sailed from Bridgwater in two vessels, the "Friends" and the "Euphrosyne", as emigrants for Canada.  Nearly one hundred of them were sent out, it was stated, at the expense of the Marquis of Bath".

Three large wagons arrived in Bridgwater in early April 1831 carrying about 100 men, women and children ready to embark on their journey aboard the 'Euphrosyne' for Quebec.

Sherborne Mercury - Monday 11 April 1831

The 'Euphrosyne' sailed from Bridgwater on 24 April 1831 with passengers from Heytesbury (Wiltshire) and Tytherington (possibly Wiltshire) and Somerset. The ship 'Friends' departed the same day. The passage took a remarkable 27 days!

Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser - Wednesday 15 June 1831

It seems however that Bridgwater was shipping emigrants to Canada before 1831. This article shows a letter written by W. Clements of Corsley Wiltshire in October 1830, who was very happy with his new life in Canada. So much so his letter was published in a the Reading Mercury.

Reading Mercury - Monday 21 February 1831

 The ship 'Friends' was still in operation from Bridgwater docks as late as 1901.

Images courtesy of The British Newspaper Archive

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