Framework Knitters, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire

[Jane Eden]

Hi John

What great pictures. They would have been quite impressive in their day. Lets hope they don't make too many alterations and then next time it is sold it may be restored. I wonder what the local heritage people think, its a shame they haven't slapped a conservation order on it.

Jane

[1000xlch]

Hi Jane

There was some vague outcry in the local paper ie Loughborough Echo, but nobody seems interested, not even a plaque to go on the wall or something.  A shame really. 

John Rowley

[Jane Eden]

Hi Keith and John

Not quite framework knitters or Leicestershire but I thought you might be interested in the photos in this article. There are good ones when it was a lace mill.

This was only written this July but unfortunately the factory had a fire this year that closed it down but the shell survived. They have now converted it in to apartments. It is just down the road from me.

http://www.angloscotianmills.co.uk/history.pdf

Jane

[SouthwarkSusan]

Hi Keith

My family were also Framework Knitters in Leicestershire.  There is a Framework Knitters Museum in Wigston, Leics that you would find really interesting.  All the knitting Frames are still there in their orignal condition, it is like walking into a time capsule from the past.  It is well worth a visit if you ever have the time.

Susan

[Jane Eden]

Hi Susan

Thanks for the info. I must go there some day. Its nice to have another FWK on board and welcome to Rootschat.

Jane

[Keith Sherwood]

Susan,
Hear hear to all that...!  This has been an unexpectedly rich thread, full of all kinds of excellent information re the FWK's, mostly thanks to Jane, I must say - but some really good contributions from other Rootschatters.
Welcome aboard...
Keith

[Keith Sherwood]

Have today read details of an impassioned speech Lord Byron made as his maiden address in the House of Lords in about 1812 as a mere 23-year-old on behalf of the Framework Knitters of Nottinghamshire (he of course had the Newstead Abbey estate).  He spoke boldly against moves to re-introduce the death penalty for those found guilty of breaking the machines that were putting everybody out of work. (All part of the Luddite unrest)
Ian Gilmour's book is entitled "The Making of Poets", and describes the early lives of Byron and Shelley...
Keith

[Jane Eden]

Hi Keith

It's nice to know you are so cultured to be reading a book of that quality.

I have sent you a PM.

Jane

[Keith Sherwood]

Jane,
I love a good read - especially a biography!  The reference to our poor downtrodden early 19thC FWK's just happened to catch my eye...
keith