Hello,

I have been researching my irish family history and have recently become aware that they may have gone to Ireland from the Forest of Dean area to work in the ironworks which was established in Woodford, Co. Galway. This was any time after 1650. A Cromwellian supporter who was given lands in Ireland began the ironwork business. It seems my family may have moved because they were already working as ironworkers in the Forest of Dean.

Does this theory sound familiar to anyone?

I would appreciate any help to point me in the right direction.

I have looked in the parish records but there is none with the exact spelling of the surname: Felle

Thanks

No but were they RC religion? Why I am asking is that my family were iron workers in the FOD and were RC (recusants) and this may have been a reason for people wanting to move to Ireland. However, it's less likely if the employer was a supporter of Cromwell than of the King. It might just be an indication of how people had to move about because of the job from one part of the British Isles to another.

Yes, the family is Roman Catholic. Although they went to work with a Cromwellian supporter, is it possible they went to Ireland because they thought, wrongly, they may be able to practice their religion more easily?
The man who opened the works in Woodford was Sir Henry Waddington and operated later by the Croasdaile or Crossdale family. I believe they were related to Sir Henry Waddington.

Thanks.

this previous thread may hold clues?? variations on surname (Gloucestershire accent (an curly L could possibly be mistaken for a b)

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?mode=thread&id=14404

Gloucestershire Records Genealogical Database - have a will for a

John FELLEY - dated 1562 - Hawling, Gloucestershire.....

National Archives

A2A

have 3 hits for FELLE - held at Gloucestershire/Cornwall

Robert de la Felle - 13th century

John Felle

Many thanks, I will investigate further. The de la Felle indicates the French/Norman connection which I had been assuming until I recently discovered the possible Forest of Dean link.

There are also a few other names which could have originated in the Forest of Dean and are found in this part of Ireland. These are: Tamplin, Templeton, Pearse, Seymour, Canning, Walsh.

Other possible names are: Davis, Gardiner, Kemple, Mathews, Nash, Page, Pigott, Porter, Robinson, Saunders, Sellers, Steward and Willis. Of course, many of these names are found all over the British Isles but seem to be significant in Woodford, Co. Galway.

Re ironworkers in woodford co Galway.hi I'm James John porter from woodford and I stumbled apron this discussion whilst researching my family name for my Australian cousins.we have our family history done from the present back to the 1800s but then the trail goes cold but it is interesting to think that my ancestors could be iron workers in one or all of the 3iron mills that were in woodford.it is well known that certain families were brought over to work in the steelworks because of their expertise in the profession.if it is ant help to you the name Thomas porter has been carried on in every generation.alas I only know of one family of the felle name surviving in the woodford area.my email is jjporter AT irelandmail.com if you need any more information.slan jj porter

Many thanks, I will investigate further.

Tried your email address. No reply. Please contact me through forum.