This particular article was written by historian Colin Pooley who establishes the experience of a young 18-year old young woman (which he commonly refers to as ‘R) who migrated from Northern Ireland to London in 1937 to take the work as a typist. The source highlights that the young women born into a protestant family within Londonderry in 1919 who kept numerous diaries and in-depth detailed all aspects of her life between the years 1937-1942. In particular, these detailed diaries included a vivid insight into the process of when she migrated to London which included her thoughts and feelings on leaving her home in Ireland to her adjustment to her new life and work within the city of London. The author clearly highlights that these diaries did not initially have the intension of anyone other than the author to read them, as they are clearly written like a personal document.

One aspect of ‘R’s’ life that seems to be of interest is when the author highlights that her parents had sought arrangements about accommodation for the young girl upon London by contacting the Civil service association in regards to hostels and by also contacting some boarding houses directly, however ‘R’ eventually lands a room in a hostel in Earls Court which was recommended and booked by the daughter of a family friend who had already moved from Londonderry to London. The author also highlighted that ‘R’ had a network of strong contacts already existed within London which gave her practical advantages and reassured her of anything. This is interesting as this is clearly a process of chain migration as ‘R’ clearly had trusted strong connections which she could rely upon if she needed any help within this new city.

Interestingly the author establishes that the actual acts of leaving home did in fact cause ‘R’ some distress as she had such a strong bond with her mother and with Londonderry, therefore, leaving this behind was hard for her, however, it is established that she did not view this opportunity as “leaving home” initially as she saw it more as a temporary adventure as she intended that her sister may in fact join her in London and she always had the option of coming back to Londonderry if things did not work out for her. However, the author established that less than a year after she migrated she did in fact have the opportunity to transfer to Belfast but ultimately went with the decision to stay within London as she was enjoying her time within the city. It was emphasized by the author that ‘R’ clearly suggested throughout her diary entries that she was becoming sincerely comfortable with the environment as she states that she never felt threatened or even uncomfortable living here.

Pooley also establishes that throughout the diary entries that further aspects of ‘R’s’ life are later revealed as her religious afflictions and political beliefs are clearly defined. It was established that she was a protestant from Nothern Ireland and her father was committed to the Presbyterian church and the orange order in Londonderry, therefore, the author establishes that it was expected that ‘R’ would have a much stronger identity to Britain opposed to Catholic migrants. Pooley also established that both her religion and politics enabled her to fit easily into British society and have strong views on class differences within Ireland.

Pooley then concludes this article by establishing that ‘R’ was brought to a privileged position within London in regards to many other migrants from Ireland to Britain in the 1930s, it is illustrated that this young woman was fortunate enough to have the full support of a wealthy family who arranged for her migration enabling she had work and initial accommodation within London, the author also highlights that ‘R’ was well educated and had a secure well paid job which was hugely beneficial towards her when she migrated to London in assuring she would gain a success high paid job.