WHOEVER photographed these child workers noted meticulously that they were coming out of Haggas’ mill at Ingrow at noon on Saturday, August 22, 1908 – which explains why some of them look happy, as they have just finished work for the weekend.
At this period, children could start working only at the age of 11 and on condition that they had attained minimum standards in reading, writing and arithmetic.
They would work first as half-timers, spending half the day at the mill and half at school. They could begin working full-time at the age of 13.
Their first jobs in a spinning department were doffing (removing full bobbins and replacing them with empty ones) and piecing (twisting broken threads together).
Reminiscences of former Keighley child workers, recorded 40 years ago, include such homely details as “bringing tea or cocoa in an enamel can, and warming it up on the steam pipes – others who had mugs got their hot water from the boilers in the boiler-house”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here