Mug shows trouble at the mill in 1878

Riots broke out in Bury and Blackburn in May 1878 as cotton mill workers protested their low wages. The initially peaceful action escalated as employees attacked the factory and local constabulary, eventually looting and destroying the mill owner’s house.

This rare black-printed Staffordshire mug commemorates the days of turmoil.

On one side the mob i…

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