Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Audio Accounts of Young Steel Workers

2007: 

Listen to an account from an apprentice at Sheffield Forgemasters steel company in 2007.  There are more audio files on the resources page of this story.

 

In the 1950s:

Hear the audio from a discussion with a group of 'Little Mesters' and Sheffield steel workers who were based at Tinsley Wire steel company in the 1950s.

An Illustration of Sheffield steelworkers showing three workers with a large steel pole
An Illustration of Sheffield Steelworkers

 

In Victorian Times:

You can listen to the audio accounts of Mr J E White after inspecting cutlery factories in Sheffield in 1865 and it is accompanied by a transcription. The report highlights the poor conditions and hard work life of the young workers.
 
Black and white illustration of a Victorian grinders workshop showing adults and children working
Illustration of a Victorian Grinders Workshop


During Victorian times Sheffield became a world centre for steel production and a large percentage of the Sheffield workforce was employed in the steel and cutlery industries.