The censuses show that Framework Knitting was still a major occupation in the first half of the 19th Century in Blackwell, representing up to 40% of the employment in the parish. Like the rest of the East MIdlands it had declined from the halcyon days of the 18th century and it contniued its steady decline through the third quarter of the century leaving few families still employed in the trade by the 1900. However Blackwell saw amazing advancements for some entrepreneurs from the local industry as he stories linked below demonstrate.
The Height of Fashion Made in Blackwell.. Frame Knitted Stockings
Above the knee length stockings were worn by men, women and children for hundreds of years. Generally, men’s stockings were on show with long trousers only introduced from 1800 onwards. Jedediah Strutt’s ‘Derby Rib’ frame attachment produced a fine rib stitch, which created the appearance of a more shapely calf. They quickly became very popular.
But A Hard Life for the Shiners
In 18th century Old Blackwell, life as a framework knitter was tough. To make ends meet, the whole family would have been employed in the manufacture of stockings. The father would work on the knitting frame, and the wife and children would spin and sew. The hours were long and working conditions were cramped, uncomfortable and dangerous. Framework knitters were nicknamed “Shiners” as the seats of their trousers were worn to a shine from the rubbing against the wooden bench as they worked.
The 1844 Royal Commission on Framework Knitting, led by Richard Muggeridge, investigated the dire economic conditions, low wages, and oppressive “frame rents” affecting over 25,000 workers in the East Midlands hosiery industry. Following a petition, the 1845 report documented widespread poverty and child labour.
An extract from the 1845 report transcribed by the late Alan Cooke of Newton, gives details of questions put to a framework knitter from Blackwell. The original reports the knitter as John Star, but no record can be found of him in the parish..could it have been a member of the Straw family who are known to have been involved in the trade?. The extract can be viewed here.
More on Framework Knitting in Blackwell:
A Framework Knitting Family from Lane End Blackwell
From Lane End and Poverty to London and Prosperity
Follow this link to see the influence of Blackwell’s Most Famous Entrepreneur..Jedediah Strutt