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Working Abroad
Emigrants outside Australia House, London
Emigrants outside Australia House, London

In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, millions of people across the world moved to different countries looking for work. They wanted to improve their lives, try new working practices, or have adventures in different lands.

Many people left Wales and took traditional Welsh industrial skills with them. Some helped create continuing economic success in the countries they moved to. Some made huge fortunes, finding fame. Others led more quietly successful lives, settling down and raising families. Some returned to Wales after time abroad, others were never to see this country again.

Here we look at the various industries from Wales that supplied workers and expertise around the world. What were those industries and skills? Where did the workers go? What values and traditions did they take with them? What impact did their leaving have on the country they left behind?

Working Abroad - Coal
Working Abroad - Copper
Working Abroad - Gold
Working Abroad - Iron
Working Abroad - Slate
Working Abroad - Steel
Working Abroad - Shipping
Working Abroad - Metal Mining
Working Abroad - Tinplate
Working Abroad - Other Industries
Working Abroad - Migration Patterns
Working Abroad - Radicalism
Working Abroad - Culture
Working Abroad - Women
Working Abroad - Place Names