Cropper in West Yorkshire

The Luddite Link partnership provides a gateway to information and resources about the Luddite movement in West Yorkshire.

Throughout the bicentenary year (2012) there will be commemorative events by the partners and a developing resource here about the Luddites and Luddism.

Follow the events of 1812 live as they unfolded to readers of The Leeds Mercury:

Rawfolds Mill

What is a Luddite?

The term Luddite is often used today to refer to anybody who is stubbornly opposed to new technology. But Luddism was a protest movement of the early 1800s and was much more than a crude attempt to 'uninvent' new machinery.

The act of breaking machines could lead to death on the gallows. Not surprisingly secrecy was paramount. To hide their tracks, the Luddites carried out their crimes in the name of 'Ned Ludd' their semi-mythical leader. Across 1812 there were numerous attacks, big and small, in and around Huddersfield. And then a mill owner was ambushed and murdered. For Luddism in the West Riding this was the beginning of the end...

Hands on History studies

 

A Rich Partnership

The Luddite Link provides a gateway to a rich range of knowledge, archive materials and historical perspective.

We cannot offer to carry out research on your behalf, but we will respond to any queries sent to the Luddites inbox (contact at the foot of the page) and do our best to point you in the right direction.

The full list of partners are: the University of Huddersfield, Kirklees Museums & Galleries, University Archives, West Yorkshire Archive Service, Sheffield Archives, Huddersfield Local Studies Library, Huddersfield Local History Society, Yorkshire Archaeological Society, Mikron Theatre Company, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Mirfield History Society, and the Colne Valley Museum.

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