Anti-Swing poster, c.1830

During the 1830s farm labourers in rural areas were angry about low pay and the prospect of new machines taking their jobs. They protested by smashing farm machinery, rioting and sending farmers threatening letters signed by a fictitious character named 'Captain Swing'. This poster warns labourers not to be led astray by lawbreakers and encourages farmers to prevent trouble by paying good wages.
Catalogue reference: HO 44/23 (c.1830)

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