To consolidate our Victorian history topic, Prep Five visited Styal Mill in Cheshire. After a short stroll by the River Bollin, which was used to power the mill wheel, our morning was spent exploring the mill. We learned about the start of the Industrial Revolution, and tried out some of the tasks which the young mill apprentices would have done. We all practised carrying the can, working as doffers and everyone did some excellent scavenging for bits of cotton dropped under the machinery. The clattering of all the machines was deafening, and we learnt how workers communicated using sign language. Some of us particularly enjoyed the gory stories of industrial injuries way back before health and safety rules existed.
After lunch, we walked up to the Apprentice House to see if we could be taken on as apprentices at Mr. Gregg’s cotton mill. The strict supervisor Mr. Shawcross put us through our paces in the cobbled yard before we entered the house – boys first, as they were considered far more important and clever!
Firstly, we visited the kitchen where we learnt about the apprentices’ diet; we were particularly unimpressed by the breakfast porridge which was so thick that it could be held in unappetising lumps in one’s hand! However, fresh fruit, vegetables (grown by the boys in the garden) and meat were also included in the meals, and much better than the meagre workhouse rations. We also peeped in at Mr. Shawcross’s accommodation, which looked very comfortable with a cosy fire, four poster bed and even a cake for tea!
Next it was time to visit the dormitories, with one bed between two for the next nine years – the mattresses were stuffed with straw (and included a few “guests” such as spiders and bedbugs!) Under the beds we spotted chamber pots, as the apprentice children were locked in at night time. Jerry and Rose bravely volunteered for emptying duties… that cold tea looked alarmingly realistic! We all had a try at bed making and Mr. Shawcross was especially impressed with the skill of Rose, Carly and Poppy. As a modern and philanthropic employer, Mr Gregg ensured that his apprentices had the most up to date medical care, and we learnt about the explosive qualities of brimstone and treacle, and were suitably horrified when the pot of blood-sucking leeches was passed around. This was a remedy for sore eyes, which was a common complaint from those employed in the dusty cotton mills.
Next we visited the schoolroom downstairs. As the boys’ brains were considered by Victorians to be superior, it was only the boys who received lessons, while the girls had to turn their thoughts to tasks such as ironing, sewing, laundry, cleaning, cooking and mending.
We headed back to school reflecting on the lives of Mr. Gregg’s nine year old apprentices. While it was fascinating to step back in time, few of us would swap our twenty-first century lives for the daily grind of twelve hour shifts in the mill. Our thanks go to the excellent and inspiring staff at Styal who brought the past to life so vividly, to Mr. Rooney and Miss Gregory for driving and to Mr. Connolly and Mr Grant for accompanying us.
I remember when I was on this trip it was really fun it looks like you guys had an amazing time.
From Hannah.S PVI
This was a great day. I really enjoyed the part when we wore top hats and caps and looked at the different wages people were paid.
I would not like to work in a mill because I would not work for 12 hours !!!
I would not like to be a Victorian because I would not like to have to work 12 hours in a mill
It’s Victor I just want to say I enjoyed every bit of the trip it was so fun I want to go back
I liked this trip it was invigorating and interesting But the leeches were a little creepy…
But overall I enjoyed this trip
Going to Quarry Bank Mill, I learnt that the food in the cotton mill were better than the food in the workhouse. I also learnt that leeches were sometimes used to cure diseases. What I enjoyed the most was being the Clerk and paying people’s money!.
Going to Quarry Bank Mill, I learnt that you got better food in the cotton mill rather than the workhouse. I also learnt that leeches were somtimes used to cure diseases. What I enjoyed the most was being the Clerk and paying people money!.
Going to Quarry Bank Mill, I learnt that boys were considered more cleverer than girls. I also learnt that leeches were sometimes used to get rid of diseases. What I enjoyed the most was being the Clerk and paying people money!
Going to Quarry Bank Mill, I learnt that boys were considered cleverer thsn girls. I also learnt that leeches were sometimes used to get rid of diseases. What I enjoyed the most was being the Clerk and paying people money!.
I would not like to work there because the noise from the machines were so deafening. The best part about Quarry Bank Mill was when you had to pretend to be the workers to earn shillings [money] and I liked to play the engineer, it was a blast. When we all had to go back to school I was feeling disappointed then I had an idea that I would to go back with my family and my dog.
Going to Quarry Bank Mill, I learnt that boys were considered as very clever and important. I also learnt that sometimes leeches were used to get rid of diseases. What I enjoyed the most was being the Clerk and paying people the money!.
I really enjoyed the trip! The staff were so kind and answered all of my questions. The best part was glancing into the water wheel slowly turning. I loves how much we got to do like learning what jobs the children had to do and watching the machinery do their job!- Poppy Prep 5
I really enjoyed that trip! The staff were kind and the best bit was gazing into the water wheel slowly turn. There was lots of things to see like the machines and the jobs the children would have to do! One of the best trips I’ve been to! -Poppy Boyes Prep 5
I really enjoyed that trip! The staff were really nice and the best part was gazing into the working water wheel! I wish I could go back, It was amazing looking at ll the sights!- Poppy Boyes, Prep 5
A horrid place to end up in. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. With all the dust floating around in the air my eyes would be burning, and worst of all if loads of the fibers ended up in my lungs, I could die because of severe byssinosis.
I would not like those be a aprentis
It was absolutely amazing!!!! I wish we never left,and in my opinion,I think the apprentice house was the best bit of all of it because we got to learn what it was like to live in the Victorian era (1837-1901) and how to act the life of children who unfortunately had to spend the rest of the lives in the hot and dusty workhouse…
I had a great time it was brilliant. My favourite part of the trip was when we went back in time and went into the apprentice house.
This was a fun trip because:
#I loved learning how to make fabric with cotton
#I loved seeing the artefacts
And I loved the mini river.