In the early 19th century, as the Industrial Revolution surged through Britain, not everyone welcomed the wave of change. In towns like Hyde—particularly the hillside village of Gee Cross—anxiety and unrest grew among skilled textile workers. These men and women had spent years mastering their crafts, only to see new machines threaten their livelihoods. Out… Read More the luddites & gee cross: resistance in the age of industry
On the evening of January 3, 1831, Thomas Ashton, a 24-year-old mill manager from Hyde, Greater Manchester, was fatally shot while out walking from his residence at Pole Bank to Apethorn Mill. This act of violence occurred during a period of significant social and economic upheaval in England, marked by the Industrial Revolution and the… Read More the murder of thomas ashton: a tragic chapter in industrial england
The Romantic period is often dominated by famous male poets, but many remarkable female writers were equally active during the Industrial Revolution, offering their powerful reflections on nature, emotion, social injustice, and the changing world around them. Poets like Charlotte Smith, Mary Robinson, Anna Laetitia Barbauld, and Felicia Hemans wrote with a unique voice, often… Read More forgotten voices: female romantic poets of the industrial revolution
The Ashton family has already been a significant focus of my previous writings, however I do believe it is crucial to look further and contextualise their role in the development of Gee Cross and Hyde, as well as their contribution to the textile industry. The Ashtons were instrumental in shaping the economic and industrial landscape… Read More the growth to gentry for the ashton family
As you know (if you follow my blog) I’m deeply fascinated by the Industrial Revolution, especially the textile industry, not only because of its profound impact on Britain, but also due to a personal family connection that inspires me to learn more. This period of dramatic change reshaped both landscapes and lives, driving progress while… Read More Clothing the cotton mill workers: wages, wear, and tradition in industrial britain
When we think of the Industrial Revolution in the North of England, cotton mills and towering chimneys often spring to mind. But behind the scenes, it was water—not just steam—that quietly powered progress. In this post, I’m exploring the fascinating history of Hyde Waterworks and how Manchester Corporation’s hydraulic power system transformed industry, infrastructure, and… Read More hydraulic heritage: hyde waterworks and manchester’s hidden power network
During the Industrial Revolution, textile dyeing underwent significant transformations, transitioning from traditional natural dyes to the advent of synthetic alternatives. This period marked a pivotal shift in dyeing techniques, influenced by technological advancements and the demands of mass production. Traditional Dyeing Techniques Prior to the mid-19th century, natural dyes were the primary means of colouring… Read More Colouring the Industrial Age: How Textiles Were Dyed Before Synthetics
The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the late 18th century, transformed the fabric of society, bringing about unprecedented advances in machinery, urbanisation, and economic growth. But beneath the hum of steam engines and the rise of smokestacks, poets heard something else: the wail of displaced workers, the mechanisation of the human spirit, and the loss of… Read More poetry and the industrial revolution: verse against the machine
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Ashton Brothers’ cotton mills in Hyde, Cheshire, were significant employers in the region. A substantial portion of their workforce consisted of children. These young labourers endured challenging conditions, with their daily routines characterised by long hours, minimal wages, and exposure to hazardous environments. Living Conditions Many child… Read More Children Working in Ashton Brothers’ Cotton Mills in Hyde
Rachel Bakewell 