Newsletter Sign up
Preston Lockout Exhibition
Welcome to the world of literature that delves into the Preston Lockouts of 1853-54. Authors such as Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens used their work to capture the essence of the time, shining a light onto the struggles and plight of workers. The narratives of these authors offer a window into this pivotal time in Britain's industrial history. This is part of The Harris on Campus project working in partnership with The University of Central Lancashire.
WHAT WAS THE LOCKOUT?
“10% AND NO SURRENDER”
The Preston lockout of 1853-54 was a significant event in labour history. In Preston, workers of the cotton industry went on strike to protest about conditions and wages. The strike resulted in a standoff between mill owners and workers, leading to a 7-month struggle. The Preston lockout symbolised the ever-growing Labour movements of the 19th century and displayed the struggles of the workers brought about by the industrial revolution.
Word Bank
Penitent: Feeling or showing sorrow/remorse for having done something wrong.
Industrialisation: The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale.
Tyrant: A cruel and oppressive ruler.
Antagonism: Active hostility or opposition.
Densely: In a closely compacted or crowded manner.
Languor: Tiredness or inactivity, especially when pleasurable
Interminable: Endless or apparently endless.
Lockout: The exclusion of employees by their employers from their workplace until certain terms are agreed to.
Date
14th May 2024
Location
Central Methodist Church, Lune street, Preston
Cost: free
This collection is free to visit
Exploring Preston Lockout Exhibition
Charles Dickens
Dickens didn’t write about the Preston Lockouts directly in Hard Times, but the book does explore the harsh realities faced by workers. It is set in the fictional ‘Coketown’ which is thought to be partly based on Preston and it describes the dehumanising effects of industrialisation on society. Through his storytelling, the author vividly describes the challenges faced by the working classes during this period of rapid industrial change. Dickens did however write about the Lockouts in the magazine he edited, Household Words. He used his time in Preston and his experience of other strikes as inspiration.
Elizabeth Gaskell
Gaskell was a prominent author of the Victorian age. Gaskell’s Novel, North and South, delves into the themes of social unrest, industrialisation, and class conflict. The novel itself highlights the struggle of workers and factory owners. North and South is set with the backdrop of the industrial revolution, in the fictional town of Milton. Gaskell’s work, whilst not a direct tale of the lockouts, portrays an accurate image of the social issues that shape the time and the lives of working-class
individuals during this transformative period in history. There’s limitations overall with accuracy however her work proved widely influential.
North Road Temperance Hall, Preston
Date: c1937
Photographer: Preston Scientific Society
A symbol of resilience and determination, the temperance hotel provided a space for the workers to come together, support each other, and advocate for their rights during this challenging time. The famous image of operative being paid out is the cockpit or Temperance Hall.
[credit to Lancashire County Council Red Rose Collections]
Preston Flag Market
Made: Preston
Date: 1853
The Flag Market in Preston was a central gathering place during the Preston Lockout of 1853-54. It was here that rallies and protests took place as workers fought for fair wages and better working conditions. The lively square echoed with calls for justice and solidarity as the workers stood united in their demands. However, the Flag Market was also a place where differing opinions clashed, such as the speeches of Slackbridge, who supported the mill owners. Despite these challenges, the Flag Market remained a symbol of resilience and the power of coming together to fight for what is right. In the modern day the buildings in this image are where The Harris stands today.
The Bull and Royal
The Bull and Royal served as a symbol of northern attitude, Dickens stayed in the hotel and whilst the name is now new it still holds a reminder of what the north stood for and showed of the camaraderie of the workers during the time of the strike.
[credit to @elliott_dslrphotograpghy on Instagram for photo]
North Road
The North Road Temperance hotel in Preston played a key role during the Lockout of 1853-54. This hall was a gathering spot where the workers held meetings and discussed important issues and planned their next steps in the fight for fair treatment. It was a place where voices were heard, ideas were shared.
[credit to @elliott_dslrphotograpghy on Instagram for photo]
Slackbridge/Grimshaw
Mortimer Grimshaw was a strong speaker who played a part in the Preston Lockout of 1853-54 by supporting the mill owners’ side. He is thought to have inspired Dickens’ character of Slackbridge in Hard Times, who’s speeches sometimes caused division among the workers who were fighting for fair wages and better working conditions in the book. Despite his efforts to sway opinions, the workers stood firm in their unity and determination to stand up for their rights. Slackbridge’s
presence highlighted the challenges faced by the workers, but it also served as a reminder of the importance of staying together and fighting for what is just and fair.
Winckley Square
A scenic and beautiful part of modern Preston surrounded by grand buildings that held an important role during the lockouts. The surrounding homes housed mill owners and key employers and held strong as a united front against the workers fighting for their beliefs. To this day there are plaques around the square that note former residents.
[credit to @elliott_dslrphotograpghy on Instagram for photo]
