Learning Curve
Power, Politics and Protest
The growth of political rights in Britain in the 19th century
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Reward poster for the arrest and conviction of men who destroyed three knitting machines in January 1812
(Catalogue ref: HO 42/119 f.135)
non-flash version

As you study the source, ask yourself:

  • What happened at the 'Dwelling-house of George Ball on Thursday night last'?
  • What was the target of the attack?
  • Who do you think attacked the house and the frames?
  • How do the owners propose to stop any further destruction of their knitting frames?
  • The owners and workers who used the knitting frames explain in detail how much was being paid for the stockings produced on the frames. Why do you think they did this?
  • Why do you think the intruders destroyed the machinery? Was it an act of vandalism or of self-defence?
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