Some politicians, like the British Prime Minister Robert Peel, wrote letters and diaries that provide information about why he took certain actions or made certain decisions.
Other individuals simply wanted to write about their experiences, for example Mr Samuel Carter Hall and his wife. This wealthy Irish couple who lived in England toured Ireland in 1841 and wrote a three-volume book about their experiences entitled Ireland: Its Scenery, Character, etc.
3. Newspapers and publications
In the nineteenth century there were many regional and national newspapers and publications. These included reports and articles about the Famine as well as its consequences. The newspapers with the largest number of readers in Ireland were the Freeman’s Journal and the Belfast Telegraph. Some publications like Punch or The Illustrated London News used pictures to tell their news. These pictures provide rich information about bias and perspectives.
Source A u
This image from Punch entitled ‘The Irish Cinderella and her haughty sisters Britannia and Caledonia’ was published in 1844.
Looking at the evidence
1. Why do you think Ireland was described as being like Cinderella?
2. What object in the picture lets you know that the girl on the left represents Ireland? (Hint: look by her right side!)
3. Who do you think Caledonia and Britannia in the image are supposed to represent?
4. Is this image a primary or secondary source?
5. Does the image show any bias? Give reasons for your answer.
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Linking History
See page 273 in Chapter 11: The Industrial Revolution for more information about the newspapers and publications that were available at this time in Britain and Ireland.