I was looking for something else and stumbled across a press release headed up "search 3 million new Welsh records"; click on it - took me to "Our new Welsh Poor Law and Gaol Records contain three million personal details, that could tell you if a relative was ever given relief under the Poor Law or sent to prison."

However, clicking on the link and I realised that its not all Wales, but rather its Swansea and the surrounding areas, and found some very interest records for one of my family members in the "Swansea and Surrounding Area, Wales, Poor Law Union Records, 1836-1916", which explains a lot. I have often wondered why this particular chap never seemed to have a job at each census. It seems that when he was in his early 30's he broke both his legs and was left crippled.

So if any of you think you have ancestors around Swansea get looking!