Another instance was
destroying stocking-knitting frames so not too many apprentices
could be employed contrary to the regulations of the stocking
knitters guild. The use of parish workhouse children also was a
cheap supply of labor which forced down the wages of the stocking
knitters. In 1720 a statute banned wearing of calico after mobs
tore calico garments off women. In 1765, thousands marched on
Parliament and persuaded it to ban foreign silk imports. But when
a mob destroyed engine-looms, the army was used against the
rioters and two of them were hanged. This was the last major mob
action. Around the Tower, there were still demagogues standing on
upturned carts haranguing passing crowds. The Tower area was a
favorite place for demonstrators, and for unemployed and
dissatisfied workmen, particularly coal heavers and underpaid
seamen protesting their low pay and poor living conditions. There
was more crime, especially at night, now with organized bands of
men or gangs of children. Bounty hunters made a lot of money
catching offenders. In 1736, to deter the frequent robberies,
burglaries, and other felonies at night, many glass lamps were set
up in places determined by the mayor. They had to burn from sunset
to sunrise. In 1736, a lighting rate was imposed by the City to
pay for all night lighting all year by hired lamplighters. Anyone
breaking or damaging the lights of London would forfeit 40s.
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