Lithuanians/Polish in Widnes 1890 on

[Janboo]

I wonder if anyone can help with details about the Lithuanian and Polish immigrants in Widnes in the 1880's onwards.  They came mostly to work in the new chemical factories that later became the I.C.I.  They seemed to settle in the West Bank and Lugsdale area.  My family were in Cromwell Street in 1901 and then in Caroline Street in 1911.  The name was Williams - but that was the anglicised version. I am having trouble finding out the original name.  Any info would be of interest.
Thanks
Janboo

[jangeo]

There is a book that was published a short time ago entitled "Into the Crucible" by Jean M Morris. This publication covers the beginings of Widnes and the chemical industry, there is a great deal of reference to Luthuanians, Polish and Irish immigrants and how they arrived in Widnes and also how they adjusted to their new life, a very good read if you want to know how they lived,or better still existed in those times.

[Janboo]

That sounds brilliant - but where can I get it?  I have just checked on the internet and no-one seems to have one. 

[jangeo]

I bought mine from the Catalyst Museum in Widnes. You can go on line to see if they still stock it. Not knowing were you live, Widnes Library have this book.

I do have a copy but my daughter who lives in North Yorkshire borrowed it last week and we will not be seeing her for some weeks.

Sorry cant be of any other help

[garstonite]

have a look at this site
http://www.liverpoolhistoryprojects.co.uk/merseysidealiens/aliensbirth.htm#RUSSIAN-POLAND
and you will see it covers Aliens arriving in Merseyside from 1879-1912 who stayed....that link is the Russian and Polish settlers ...there is one that MAY be have become Williams
he arrived in this country on
8th Mar 1879  Godel Walzborn  from Russia /Poland  and went to live in St Helens
a total longshot ...but he is the ONLY surname beginning with W from Poland on that list
...Godzon may have become Gordon ....Gordon Williams by any chance ?
allan

[Janboo]

That is a really interesting document.  Thanks for taking the time - unfortunately it doesn't take me forward except to cross off Liverpool as the place they landed.  Apparently Hull is a possible place of arrival - no family evidence but historically a lot of ships came from Germany etc to Hull with immigrants.
Again thanks for that.  I will study it as it is a social history document that is fascinating.   No wonder Liverpool is such a melting pot. 

[jangeo]

The book I mentioned about Widnes I think states that a great many Lithuanians arrived in Scotland and worked there, steadily drifting south to were there was work.ie Widnes & St Helens

[Janboo]

I'm having great difficulty getting the book.  It seems to be unavailable now.    I'm not in Widnes so library not an option.

BTW I notice Wycherley is a name you are interested in?  My mum used to work with a lady called that in Widnes - she had a son called ...Glynn - Glenn something like that.

[jangeo]

There is a Glynn Wycherley and in the scheme of things he will be related, My GGrandparents had plenty of sons when they came to Widnes from Shropshire.