Our ancestors can be traced to locations in Ireland, Wales and Shropshire. Poverty was probably the same everywhere but the attraction of booming Liverpool in the 19th century must have been quickly dispelled by the horrific housing conditions and non-existent sanitation. Our ancestors traded green fields and clean water for the chance of work and prosperity. During the 19th century some considered Liverpool housing, for the working classes, as being the worst slums of Europe. The courts were in particular dismal and without sanitation. See youtube link (provided by Liverpool Museum) to get an impression of the conditions.