We had a great turnout out for our last trip of the term – 16 turned up for a full day’s visit to Quarry Bank Mill. For most of us it was our first visit since the revamp of the mill, and it was interesting to see the Greg’s house, a relatively modest building for a family of such wealth. The improved access to all floors of the mill via the new lift has made a big difference for older visitors.
Arriving at 11.00, we spent the morning going round the mill. As always, the demonstrators were excellent, providing detailed information about the machinery and conditions of work. After lunch we went to the apprentice house and learnt about the boys and girls who lived there. Although conditions were certainly better than in Manchester, they had to work very hard and had little time to enjoy their childhood.
One of the most interesting aspects of the mill is the role played by Hannah Greg. As Unitarians, Hannah and Samuel Greg were to an extent outsiders, excluded from the landed aristocracy. Hannah also put her stamp on the mill, insisting on (and funding) education for the apprentices and barring corporal punishment for the children. Despite her benevolence, and the involvement of some of her family in campaigning against the slave trade, Hannah and Samuel’s wealth partly came from slave labour.
Although the afternoon turned out showery, our spirits were not dampened and we managed to cover a lot of the site before heading back to Manchester at about 3.00.
Burnage Local History Group 