Story perspectives

200th Anniversary: Lancashire Weavers Uprising Remembered

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 24, 1826, about 1,000 weavers in Lancashire began a four-day uprising by breaking power looms in protest of declining wages.
Soldiers confronted the protesters, and the uprising resulted in at least six deaths.
On the first day, 415 looms were destroyed, and some weavers faced penalties including transportation to Australia.
The Weavers Uprising Bicentennial Committee organizes guided walks to commemorate the event and retrace the weavers' routes.

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Story summary

On April 24, 1826, about 1,000 weavers in Lancashire began a four-day uprising by breaking power looms in protest of declining wages.
Soldiers confronted the protesters, and the uprising resulted in at least six deaths.
On the first day, 415 looms were destroyed, and some weavers faced penalties including transportation to Australia.
The Weavers Uprising Bicentennial Committee organizes guided walks to commemorate the event and retrace the weavers' routes.