Behind Closed Doors: Life of Mill Workers in the 19th Century

💪Mill owners prioritized profit over the well-being of their employees, leading to long working hours and poor living conditions.

🍲The mill workers' diet consisted mainly of porridge, with limited access to fresh produce.

👥The workers lived in gender-segregated dormitories, with girls having larger accommodations.

🧪Workers suffered from health issues such as eye irritation, for which leeches were used as a remedy.

📚Education was limited, with only boys receiving basic lessons and apprentices learning math.

What was the average working week for mill workers?

—Mill workers often worked upwards of 70-80 hours per week, with long shifts and minimal breaks.

Did mill owners provide any improvements to workers' lives?

—While some mill owners built houses and provided basic amenities, the focus was primarily on maximizing profit rather than improving living conditions.

What was the punishment for apprentices who misbehaved?

—Apprentices who misbehaved could face physical punishment, such as standing with heavy weights, or fines for breaking their contracts.

Were there any opportunities for recreation or leisure time?

—With long working hours and minimal free time, mill workers had limited opportunities for recreation or leisure activities.

How did mill workers cope with health issues caused by the cotton spinning machines?

—Leeches were used to relieve eye irritation caused by the cotton spinning machines, alleviating pressure and swelling.

00:09Introduction to the home lives of 19th-century mill workers

00:46Exploring the sleeping arrangements in cramped dormitories

02:25Understanding the diet of mill workers, mainly consisting of porridge

04:04Gender-segregated living quarters with larger accommodations for girls

05:30The use of leeches as a remedy for eye irritation caused by the cotton spinning machines

07:35Limited education with basic lessons for boys and apprentices' focus on math

09:24Long working hours and minimal free time for mill workers

11:50Physical punishments and fines for misbehaving apprentices