Events 1762 - 1913
|
Timeline Events 1762 - 1913 |
|
|
1808 Weavers demand higher wages
Despite the apparent good relationship between mill owners and weavers at the 1802 Guild, wage levels became an increasing source of tension between them. The wages of handloom weavers fell steadily over the next twenty years.
On the 2nd June 1808 a large number of handloom weavers assembled in Preston to demand higher wages from the mill owners. The crowd was dispersed peacefully by local soldiers. On the 3rd June even more weavers gathered and marched towards Preston Moor. The magistrates ordered the local soldiers to be armed and ready and moved even more soldiers into on the town. The dispute finally settled down and no force was used. Both demonstrations were unsuccessful. |
