The proud legacy of Luddites in Nottingham
It’s the early 1800s and Britain is in the middle of the industrial revolution. Textiles produced in the isles are gaining an international market, and producers are eager to increase their capacity. They introduce the wide framework, which allows them to hire fewer and less-experienced knitters. Qualified workers are going hungry because of the machines.
The workers’ suffering led to a rebellion led by “Ned Ludd”, a Robin Hood-like false persona who was created to mobilise knitters. Under the cover of darkness they would break into textile workshops and smash the frameworks. The Luddites were persecuted and threatened with hanging, but they inspired workers to fight for their rights. That spirit of rebellion and social justice lives on across Nottingham today.
We’re Nor Avin’ It!
The Luddite rebellion is the inspiration for We’re Nor Avin’ It!, a Re:sound micro-opera co-created by participants in Streetwise Opera’s creative workshops at Nottingham Playhouse and composer Alison Willis.
Streetwise performers spent several months researching the history and culture of Nottingham, focussing on the Luddites. This research, which was curated by art educator Ruth Lewis-Jones, was kindly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Engraving of Ned Ludd, Leader of the Luddites, 1812
Frame-breakers, or Luddites, smashing a loom, 1812
The Luddites
Luddites were workers who were against the introduction of machines in the early 19th century because they didn’t want to lose their jobs. In Nottinghamshire from March 1811 to February 1812 one thousand frames were destroyed.
The Luddites were punished for breaking the machines. In 1812 a government bill was passed to make it a capital offence: death by hanging. Many workers were also punished by being sent to Australia.
– Text by Amy
Luddism
This period of history is mirrored in today’s society as new technology is making people redundant.
For example, at supermarkets we are expected to use a machine to buy our groceries instead of talking to a cashier. Many of us are not confident about doing this.
In the early 19th century workers were anxious and angry about the future. They knew they were likely to lose their jobs because of the new machinery for making textiles.
They worried about the poor quality of mass- produced goods, as well as low pay and unemployment.
– Text by Caroline
Factory Systems
People working at home in the cottage industries had more control over their working conditions, such as the hours worked, lighting, heating, breaks etc.. Even though they worked from home they still worked in difficult conditions but they were skilled workers who we imagine took pride in their work.
In the early 1800s machines were introduced in the textile industries that didn’t require skilled labour, therefore putting people out of work. Those who did have jobs in the new system found that every aspect of working life was dictated by the factory owners, for example:
- long working hours (12 to 14 hours every day)
- low wages (women and children earned much less than men)
- cruel discipline
- fines (for accidental damage or sickness)
- health was compromised and there were many accidents, including fatalities
– Text by Diana
A Roberts loom in a weaving shed in 1835. Note the wrought iron shafting, fixed to the cast iron columns. Illustrator T. Allom, Engraver J. Tingle - History of the cotton manufacture in Great Britain by Sir Edward Baines.
Ned Ludd
Ned Ludd was a fall guy or a decoy for the Luddites who hid behind the name of General Ludd. All letters and handbills were signed in his name so that the real Luddites weren’t identified.
In a way he was a bit like Robin Hood. He may have existed as a real person at one time, but many fictional stories and songs were invented about him until he became an imaginary hero for the workers.
– Text by Kevin
Lace machines and stocking frames
The machines for making lace and stockings became more complicated in their designs so that more could be made, even though quality was lost.
The machines in Nottingham and the East Midlands were designed to mass-produce lace and hosiery. The factory owners benefited from increased production but the workers suffered – there were even deaths. The machines were dangerous and health and safety regulations were non-existent.
In Arnold, in March 1811, 60 stocking frames were broken by rioters who made no attempt to disguise themselves. Machines were also smashed up in Bulwell and Sutton in Ashfield in November 1812.
The machine breakers were well-organised and became known as the Luddites. They weren’t opposed to developments in production but, as skilled workers they were angry about the changes to their working conditions.
– Text by John
Trade unions
The Combination Act of 1799 was brought in by the Government who were nervous about unhappy workers in the UK, especially when they saw what was happening in France with the Revolution. They tried to stop workers from meeting together and organising to change their working conditions.
In fact, this pushed people underground to secret places such as caves and the back rooms of pubs where they met to try and change workplace conditions. They were trying to make working people’s lives easier and make a stand so that future generations would benefit and work in ways they were happy with.
They wanted to make a difference in society. Trade Unions were not legal until the Trade Union Act of 1824.
– Text by Julie
The account of the life, trial and execution of the Luddite Daniel Diggle, according to Hodson.
Daniel Diggle
Daniel Diggle was a young Nottingham lad who couldn’t read or write and aged 21, having just got married, he got involved with the Luddites. On the night of 22nd December 1816, Daniel and 3 other men went to the house of George Kerrey in Radford.
They broke into the house to smash up framework knitting machines. On hearing all the noise Kerrey tried to stop Diggle and the others. Diggle fired 3 shots at Kerrey’s head and injured him. Although Kerrey survived, Diggle was found guilty and sentenced to execution.
There were fears of an attempt to rescue Diggle on the way to Gallows Hill up Mansfield Road so it was decided he would be executed in front of Shire Hall, which is now known as the National Justice Museum.
– Text by Simon
Lord Byron
George Gordon Byron lived in Nottinghamshire, at Newstead Abbey, and was very supportive of the Luddites, even though he was an aristocrat. He supported a Bill for better workers’ rights but it didn’t get through parliament. This is a poem written by Lord Byron:
Song For The Luddites
As the Liberty lads o’er the sea
Bought their freedom, and
cheaply, with blood,
So we, boys, we
Will die fighting, or live free,
And down with all kings but King Ludd!When the web that we weave is complete,
And the shuttle exchanged for the sword,
We will fling the winding sheet
O’er the despot at our feet,
And dye it deep in the gore he has pour’d.Though black as his heart its hue,
Since his veins are corrupted to mud,
Yet this is the dew
Which the tree shall renew
Of Liberty, planted by Ludd!
– Text by John
"Lord Byron at age 19". Engraving by Edward Finden based on a painting by George Sanders, 1837
"Very sad to see how prisoners were treated"
Participants in Streetwise Opera’s creative workshops at the Nottingham Playhouse share their experiences engaging in this research about the Luddites.