At our March meeting the topic for discussion was “Workhorses of the Industrial Revolution”This is a big subject as the Industrial only really started properly when transport around the U.K. improved. The first change was the introduction of the canal as a means of transporting goods , and although the barges could only travel at the speed of the horse, it did mean that goods arrived in a far better condition
than being carried on pack horses in boxes and baskets. This applied especially to goods like pottery and glassware where the breakage rate must have been quite high..
Also with the introduction of steam trains it meant that fresh produce could be carried inland to the cities and towns in a matter of hours rather than days. With regard to the transport of freshly caught fish from the ports to the urban areas csme probably the idea of fish and chips, which I believe was a Northern idea,
By the early 19th century it was common for children of all ages to be working in the factories, mines and fields and even as chimney sweeps in the towns. It was not until nearly the mid 19th century that acts were brought in the prevent children and women from working down the mines, but conditions were still grim for most of the working class.
By the end of the century conditions were starting to improve and more people were interested in improving their lives- especially people like Lord Shaftesbury.
We also talked about local stories and some of our members related tales of their parents and grandparents and the jobs and conditions that they had to endure.
The next meeting will be on Monday 16th April and the topic will be the National Trust.
Michael Page
