After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: Dark History of the Luddites
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney & Maddy Pelling
Introduction to the Luddites
In the episode titled "Dark History of the Luddites," hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve deep into the origins, motivations, and actions of the Luddite movement in early 19th-century England. They aim to dispel common misconceptions and draw parallels between historical and modern-day technological anxieties.
Setting the Scene: Early 19th Century Britain
Maddy Pelling sets the historical context by painting a vivid picture of Britain in 1811-1812. Under the reign of George III, with his son George IV serving as Prince Regent, the nation grapples with:
- Napoleonic Wars: Heightened fears of French invasion and internal instability.
- Industrial Revolution: Rapid technological advancements leading to social upheaval.
- Economic Strain: Bread riots, rising food prices, and urban famine due to disrupted trade and industrial changes.
She explains, "The Industrial Revolution is happening, but it's not exactly as you would imagine it in the Victorian era" (04:38).
Who Were the Luddites?
Contrary to popular belief, the term "Luddite" doesn't denote simple-minded thugs. Maddy clarifies:
"The single defining feature of Luddism is a common resistance to labour-saving technology." (08:05)
The movement wasn't a unified front but a series of localized protests against machines that threatened artisans' livelihoods. The name "Luddite" stems from Ned Ludd, a possibly mythical figure symbolizing resistance.
The Symbolism of Ned Ludd
An intriguing discussion revolves around the depiction of Ned Ludd. Maddy describes an anti-Luddite image portraying him in ragged female attire, symbolizing the perceived chaos and disruption they brought:
"This is meant to show what happens when the Luddites succeed... It's very much an anti-Luddite image, designed to mock this great folk hero." (12:46)
This satirical portrayal underscores societal fears of losing traditional values and order.
Geographic Spread and Initial Success
The movement began in Nottinghamshire with the destruction of stocking frames, expanding rapidly to Lancashire and Yorkshire by 1812. Maddy emphasizes the coordinated yet decentralized nature of these attacks:
"They start by targeting smaller workshops before they move on to the bigger factories." (25:07)
Early successes included the removal of machines from small mills, forcing factory owners to confront the unrest.
Escalation and Violence
As Luddites aimed at larger mills faced fortified defenses, the movement turned more violent. A pivotal event occurred on April 12, 1812, when Luddites attacked William Cartwright's fortified Rawfold's Mill:
"Cartwright gives the order and the soldiers open fire. Two Luddites, John Booth and Samuel Hartley, are killed the next day." (33:42)
This incident marked a sinister turn, highlighting the brutal clash between workers and industrialists.
Internal Conflicts and Consequences
A notable moment of internal dissent arises when a militia soldier refuses to fire on Luddites and is brutally punished:
"He is sentenced to 300 lashes to be carried out in public... William Cartwright intervenes and stops the flogging." (35:35)
This act of mercy from Cartwright suggests cracks within the oppressive systems supporting industrial expansion.
Transition from Property to Personal Vendettas
With fortified factories, Luddites shifted their targets from machines to factory owners themselves. The assassination of William Horsford on April 28, 1812, epitomizes this shift:
"Horsefall is ambushed and killed, leading to celebrations among Luddites who sing about this victory." (41:20)
This escalation blurred the lines between organized protest and personal revenge, diluting the movement's original goals.
Suppression and Decline
The British government's response culminated in deploying 12,000 troops to the north, effectively quelling the movement. Key figures like George Mellor faced execution or transportation to colonies, signaling the end of significant Luddite resistance.
Reflections and Modern Parallels
In the concluding segments, Anthony and Maddy reflect on the Luddite movement's implications:
"There is similarities between the Luddites' fear of machines and modern-day anxieties about AI and automation." (44:25)
They discuss how technological advancements continue to displace workers, emphasizing the need for regulation rather than outright resistance.
Conclusion
The episode underscores that the Luddite movement was a complex response to rapid industrialization, characterized by both organized protest and spontaneous acts of violence. It serves as a historical lens to examine contemporary conflicts over technology and labor.
Timestamps
- 04:38 - Historical Context of Early 19th Century Britain
- 08:05 - Defining "Luddite" According to Historian Adrian Randall
- 12:46 - Description of Anti-Luddite Image of Ned Ludd
- 25:07 - Beginning of Organized Luddite Attacks on Small Workshops
- 33:42 - Attack on William Cartwright’s Mill and Casualties
- 35:35 - Punishment of Militia Soldier Who Refused to Fire
- 41:20 - Assassination of William Horsford by Luddites
- 44:25 - Modern Parallels: Luddites and Current Technological Anxiety
Further Listening
If intrigued by this episode, listeners might also enjoy:
- The Thames Torso Murders
- The Final Days of George III
- Frankenstein
These episodes continue to explore the darker and more complex aspects of history, blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling.