Who Do You Think You Are - Lesley Sharp 14th Aug

[Shona]

Some comments about British Home Children from 19th-century Canadian politicians.

1891
'There are associations formed in England, Scotland and Ireland for bringing out to Canada what are called gutter children from the slums of England, Scotland and Ireland. Thousands are brought out by these organisations. I think this is scandalous and outrageous. It is ridiculous to allow this to go on. These people might as well send out small pox and typhoid fever. These are not only savages, but they are really all diseased savages.'

1894
'These are children dumped on Canadian soil, who, in my opinion, should not be allowed to come here at all. It is just the same as if garbage were thrown into your backyard and allowed to remain there.'

As the episode dealt with adoption, fostering and child transportation, a few hints and tips about how to research these issues would have been helpful.