Was Ned Ludd Real? And How The Luddites Affected The Factories

The Luddites were very skilled artisans such as weavers, mechanics, and other craftsmen that often attacked machinery and factories during the early industrial revolution. Contrary to popular belief, the Luddites were not actually protesting against technology. They were upset over the economic hardship that these machines were causing for society. Wages were being reduced because the work the factory employees were doing needed less skill. The Luddites protested “The Man”, and the fact that factory owners had more power over their workers. The Luddites got their name because they considered themselves followers of the fictional “Ned Ludd”. Ned Ludd never actually existed. He was a character in a make-believe story that the Luddites say occured 22 years prior. The story goes that an apprentice named Ludham was working at his machine and was criticized for his work not being good enough. Ludham became very angry, so he used a hammer to wreck the machine. The story went around and he became the symbolic leader of the Luddites.  The picture of Ned Ludd is false because he was a completely fictitious leader of the Luddites.

A drawing of the fictional Ned Ludd leading the Luddites

Below is a letter written to a cousin in America about what was happening in the English mill towns during the time of the Luddites.

Dear Mary,

As you probably know, I went to work in the factories just a few months ago.  It is a good job, not too hard, and I get paid enough to afford room and board with a little left over. Unfortunately, I am a little afraid that  my job will not last much longer.  Two factories around me have already been forced to close because all of their machines have been broken to pieces by a group of people known as Luddites. The Luddites do not like that wages are being cut and people are being fired and replaced by machines. They snuck into the two factories after dark and destroyed the machines. The factory owners had not choice but to fire the workers, not because they are to blame, but because without machines, there is no work to be done by them.

I do not support the Luddites. I do feel badly that their jobs and the economy are at such a risk that they have to resort to violence. However, I  have to think of myself and I am afraid they will come after my factory next. I will not have any choice, but to return to the family farm should my job be taken away. Although I do not make a large wage, it is a substantial help to my family, and helps them afford more than just necessities. We were talking this morning at breakfast in my boarding house about what we would do should our factory be shut down. Some girls will try to find new jobs, and they will have an advantage because of their experience. The majority of us believe we will just return to the country and go back to helping our families. I still have hope that this is a choice I will not have to make, because I hope my place of employment will not become a target for the Luddites.

Say hello to the whole family in America for me.

Sincerely,

Molly