The Lancashire Weavers

Lyrics

The Lancashire Weavers

Part of my heritage having spent my early years growing up around these parts. The riots in Lancashire predate the Luddite rebellion and though some mill owners wanted to provide decent working conditions and pay the profit motive held sway.

1826 the Lancashire weavers rioted against the power loom
As the factory system grew the cottage industry
Rose up prepared to fight
1100 looms they did destroy, all on four dark nights
The soldiers on their horse, they would not charge
Against their fellow man, they gave to them their food
The rioters against the power loom

There was a big debate, pay the going rate or raise a minimum wage
If you pay a minimum wage, you’ll justify their rage
Don’t pay no minimum wage
We’ve cut the wage in half, the weavers they will starve
We must pay a minimum wage
No your profits must stay high, or the business will die
Don’t pay no minimum wage
That argument held sway, the Liberal lost the day
There was no minimum wage
In 1826 when the Lancashire weavers rioted against the power loom

The owners recruited, special constables, root those weavers’ leader’s out
On Chorley, Clitheroe, Bacup and Bury, the riots took their toll
6 men did die, 10 were transported, and 30 they were sent to gaol
In 1826 when the Lancashire Weavers rioted against the power loom