Geneology

Quaker Heritage in Mountmellick

Mountmellick's history dates back to the 15th century, but it was the arrival of the Quakers, or Society of Friends, in 1655 that transformed the town's future. Led by William Edmundson and joined by families including the Pims, Jacksons and Thomsons, Mountmellick grew to become the most important Quaker settlement outside Dublin. Under their leadership, the town flourished as a centre of industry, trade and enterprise, earning the title "The Manchester of Ireland."

The Quakers played a significant role in shaping Mountmellick's economy and community. Their values of honesty, hard work and social responsibility helped establish businesses that provided employment and prosperity throughout the region.

Quaker Beliefs and Values

Quakers are often misunderstood in Irish history due to their association with settlers from England. However, as religious dissenters, they frequently faced discrimination themselves. Quakers rejected violence, refused to participate in wars and would not support military campaigns through taxation. Central to Quaker belief was the principle that all people were equal. They rejected social hierarchy, would not bow to nobility or swear oaths of allegiance, and placed great importance on integrity, simplicity and community. Women also enjoyed a greater degree of participation within Quaker society than was common at the time, taking an active role in community affairs and religious meetings. Today, the Quaker legacy remains an important part of Mountmellick's heritage, reflected in the town's history, architecture and enduring spirit of enterprise.

Emigration and a Global Legacy

The Great Famine brought significant change to Mountmellick and its Quaker community. During this period, many Quaker families chose to leave Ireland and begin new lives overseas, carrying with them the values and traditions that had shaped the town for generations. One such family was that of Nicholas Newlin, who was born in Hampshire, England, around 1630. In 1682, he received permission from the Mountmellick Quaker Meeting to emigrate with his family to the New World. Among the reasons cited for emigration were concerns about the continued persecution of Quakers and the search for greater religious freedom. Today, the descendants of Mountmellick's early Quaker families number in their thousands across Ireland, Britain, North America and beyond. Their stories remain closely connected to the town and form an important part of its rich heritage.

The Irish Orphan Girls

The story of the Irish Orphan Girls is one of the most remarkable chapters in Mountmellick's history.

During the Great Famine (1845-1852), many families were left destitute, and thousands of children entered workhouses established under the Poor Law system. One such workhouse was located in Mountmellick, which became an important centre for relief during this difficult period. In 1848, Earl Grey, Secretary of State for the Colonies, introduced a scheme that enabled young women from Irish workhouses to emigrate to Australia. The programme aimed to provide opportunities for orphaned and impoverished girls while helping address labour shortages in the Australian colonies.

Between 1848 and 1850, more than 4,000 young Irish women travelled to Australia under what became known as the Earl Grey Orphan Scheme. Among them were girls from the Mountmellick Workhouse, many of whom undertook the long and challenging journey alone in search of a better future. Arriving in Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart and Port Phillip, these young women helped build new lives and communities across Australia. While many faced hardship and uncertainty, others went on to raise families whose descendants now number in the hundreds of thousands.

Today, the story of the Irish Orphan Girls forms an important part of the shared history between Ireland and Australia. Many descendants continue to trace their family roots back to Mountmellick and the surrounding area.