Learning Curve
Power, Politics and Protest
The growth of political rights in Britain in the 19th century
Home > Luddites > Source 1
source 1 transcriptprint
An account of machine-breaking at Linthwaite, Yorkshire, March 1812
(Catalogue ref: HO 40/1/1, part 2, f.6)
1a   lb                
1a   1b                
HO 40/1/1 pt2; account of machine-breaking, 1812

As you study the source, ask yourself:

  • This is evidence given by a servant called John Sykes to the local Justice of the Peace. What happened in the event he describes?
  • Why do you think the intruders destroyed machinery?
  • Was this an act of vandalism or of self-defence?
Worksheet    
Contact us    Credits    Site map    Help    Teacher's notes    Timeline