Friday 22 January 2010

Oh, How Depressing...

BRITISH SOCIAL HISTORY - Mill Children 1/2



"Hard Times in the mill, my lord"

An depressing account of the poverty-striken from presenter Robin Ray, looking like a long-lost fifth Beatle, presents this show or discussion on the plight of children in late 18th century, and onward to the 19th century, of children from "the poorhouses" forced to work in the mill. He points out the Quarry Bank mill in Cheshire, in north west England, viewed behind him. The programme includes some reconstructions on what may've happenend at the mill, and agreements made in business. Ray, gives us a chronological history of children arduous work in the mills and the laws that were passed throughout the 19th century. We get to see inside the mill too. Back in them days, children could work over 12 hours in these mills in horrible conditions with little variety in food to nourish their bodies completely. The account isn't too depressing, as it's said as one of the better conditioned mills for the children, and the owner was quite a gentleman.

Can't find a year or date for this programme, but as claimed by the youtube user, it's 1970's. I seems it maybe from the early 70's, guessing from the fact it's in black and white, but I can't say for sure.

Robin Ray actor, musician and broadcaster, born in 1934, and died in 1998. he was a Classical music expert, who panelled shows like "Face The Music" and chaired "Call My Bluff", in 1965 and 1966 respectively. He was a prominent part in the begining of Classic FM in 1990's, as an executive.

I'm pleased to say the Quarry Bank mill still exists today, as a heritage site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarry_Bank_Mill

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