Libel! - Handbill from the Enoch Wood Scrapbook

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Date:6th of June 1831

Description:In 1831 the Potters' Union came out in support of North Staffordshire's striking miners.

Speculation

Reports speculated that the potters were intending to follow the miners in striking for improved wages and conditions.

Denial

The authors of this notice, drafted at the Golden Lion in Hanley, deny that this is their intention.

They claim that they would only strike if it were the choice of "every well disposed and upright man."

Suspicion

They intend to issue a document about the purpose and origins of the union, "which they doubt will do much to remove every shadow of suspicion and mistrust."

Early trade unions

Early trade unions invariably faced suspicion and mistrust at this time, even if their intentions were honourable. Just three years later, the government would attempt to crush them completely.

This item is now among the collections at Stoke-on-Trent Museums.

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