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Learning toolkit

Background

Italian migration into Wales has a long and complex history that spans several centuries. The influx of Italians into Wales can be traced back to the late 19th century, with significant waves occurring in the early 20th century and after World War II. The motivations for Italian migration into Wales were diverse, ranging from economic opportunities to political instability in Italy.

 

Activities

Objective - To discover more about Italian migration into Wales and the successes and challenges they experienced.

Compare with the other groups and their migration stories into Wales and try to make connections/see similarities in reasons behind migration into Wales and the UK.

Learning experiences

(derived from the statements of what matters)

Humanities
  • Understanding ideas and perspectives
  • Human impact on the world
  • Understanding the past
  • Understanding human rights
  • Similarity and social differentiation
  • Contribution to society
  • Identity
Health and Well-being
  • Empathy
  • Understanding relationships
  • Feelings and mental health
  • Social decisions
  • Social awareness

 

Italian migration timeline

Late 19th century

The first significant wave of Italian migration to Wales occurred in the late 19th century.

Many Italians migrated to Wales in search of work in:

  • coal mines
  • ironworks

The industrial revolution created a high demand for labour, and Italians saw Wales as an attractive destination due to its booming coal and steel industries. They were recruited by mining companies and often worked in difficult conditions underground.

Early 20th century

The early 20th century witnessed another significant wave of Italian migration into Wales.

This was largely driven by economic factors in Italy, such as:

  • political instability
  • economic decline

Many Italians sought better opportunities abroad, including in Wales.

Challenges

The Italian migrants faced numerous challenges upon their arrival that made it difficult for them to integrate into Welsh society. These included:

  • Language barriers
  • cultural differences

They often faced discrimination and prejudice from the locals, who viewed them as outsiders. However, many Italians established themselves within Welsh communities and built successful lives over time.


The Italian community in Wales has made significant contributions to Welsh society. They have enriched the cultural landscape through:

  • food
  • art
  • music
  • traditions.

Italian restaurants and cafés have become popular establishments in many Welsh towns and cities, offering a taste of Italy to locals and tourists alike.

The new cafés became a very popular place to meet up. They offered a different and respectful gathering place for meeting friends and family compared to the local pub. The early cafés were well known for not serving alcohol. The growth of the café coincides with the Temperance movement in Wales which encouraged people to socialise in cafés instead of pubs where alcohol was served.

Coffee and Ice Cream

The cafés served fresh coffee and ice cream. Many experts argue that the Italians invented modern ice cream and it was Italian migrants that first introduced ice cream to the Welsh public. Many of Wales’s biggest ice cream companies can trace their roots to Italian migrants.


World War II

The outbreak of World War II had a significant impact on Italian migration into Wales. Many Italians who had settled in Wales were classified as enemy aliens and faced internment or deportation. This led to a decline in the Italian population in Wales during the war years. However, after the war, some Italians returned to Wales, while others arrived as prisoners of war and chose to stay.

SS Arandora Star

During the Second World War, Welsh Italians without British citizenship were declared enemy aliens and a number were sent to the Isle of Man or Canada.

53 Welsh Italians lost their lives in the sinking of the passenger ship Arandora Star in 1940.

More information

View more clips from the Wales Broadcast Archive and The National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive. 

https://clip.library.wales/

Henllan Bridge Prisoner of War Camp

This Prisoner Of War Camp in Ceredigion was constructed between 1940 and 1941. It housed Italian prisoners from 1943-1946. During the day, the prisoners had to work in the area around the camp, mainly on local farms in north Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. They contributed greatly to the local economy and local life.

The camp included around 35 dormitory huts, kitchen, hospital, bathing facilities and theatre. One of the dormitory huts was renovated by the prisoners into a Catholic church (Capel Eidalwyr) (NPRN 419278). After the surrender of Italy in 1946 around 700 prisoners left, some went back to Italy, whilst others chose to stay in the local area. The camp has since become a place of pilgrimage for many who were held there, as well as their families.


Recent decades

The Italian community in Wales established strong social networks to support each other and maintain their cultural identity. They formed mutual aid societies, social clubs, and religious organisations that provided assistance and a sense of belonging. These networks helped Italian migrants navigate the challenges they faced in a new country and preserve their cultural heritage.

In recent decades, Italian migration to Wales has continued, albeit on a smaller scale. Economic opportunities and family ties have been the main drivers for this ongoing migration. Many Italians have found employment in sectors such as hospitality, catering, and tourism. Additionally, there has been an increase in Italian students studying at Welsh universities.

In conclusion, Italian migration into Wales has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. From the late 19th century to the present day, Italians have migrated to Wales in search of economic opportunities and a better life. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, they have made valuable contributions to Welsh society.


With thanks to The Arandora Star Memorial Fund in Wales