Original subtitles

(gentle music)

(machines chugging)

- Afternoon Master Greg.

Bad dream Mr Boon?

- I wasn't asleep.

- Hey.

- I haven't got time to sleep.

(laughing)

what are you all grinning at?

- We're happy in our work Mr Boon.

- That's not right.

What's going on?

- Wouldn't know where to being Mr Boon, it's a long tale.

(women laughing)

- Hey any sign of Jack in the box?

- No, not yet.

- Hey get Daniel to grease your hinges,

that'll speed things up.

(laughs)

- It won't be long now, and I can't wait

to get out of those weaving sheds.

(coughs)

- You're not coming back?

- You won't know what to do, all that time on your hands.

- What with three kids and an husband.

- Oh it would be great to be out of here for good though.

- I'm so jealous.

- Esther? - Martha?

What's happened?

- Smallpox, Paddy died.

The lads have been spared thank God.

I haven't got it.

- Yes, and we've been vaccinated, we can't catch it.

- Where are the lads?

- A neighbor, there's no back home is there, none.

- There's work here, they've just built a new weaving shed

and Susie's about to give hers up.

- I'll ask Master Robert in the morning.

He'll be glad of the extra hands.

- You can stay with me tonight.

We could probably sneak her into the apprentice house shed.

- No you can keep me company.

My husband will be out most of the night

at one of his Manchester meetings.

- Well, if you're sure?

- She's sure, you did the right thing coming here.

- Maybe you should just leave Angie and Maude

at Jim Biggies tonight.

- They've been vaccinated Miriam.

- Well what about the baby?

And Daniel hey, what will he say?

How do you know the vaxy thing even works.

- Daniel believes in two things,

science and helping the poor.

(crowd cheering) (crowd applauding)

- Three cheers for James Hammett and the Tolpuddle Men.

Hip hip. - Hooray.

- Hip hip. - Hooray.

- Hip hip. - Hooray.

Transported to Australia for daring to form

a trade union, the nation rose up and forced the government

to return them to their families.

Now that campaign must act as the inspiration for our fight

to put working men into Westminster to resist

the new poor law.

Daniel.

- Robert Gregs asked the erm, poor law commission

to send workers from the south under this new

migrant labor scheme.

These men are farmers, they've lost land, lost everything.

And they're being forced up here and they'll be desperate.

And the men I speak for they're scared,

they're scared that they'll drive down our wages.

- They are not the enemy, they are victims of the poor law.

We have to unite with them, not fight them.

Save your famous rage for them that deserve it Dan.

(crowd chuckles) Yeah.

(upbeat music)

(groaning) (panting)

- There's a neighbor run to Wilmslow for a midwife.

- Please Mr Windell.

I'll be back as soon as it's over.

- My hands are tied.

At the end of the day I have to head count

and the numbers have to tally.

Me brothers very strict about it.

- George.

- Well she won't be alone.

- You're right, she won't.

- Heavenly Father watch over us this night,

and preserve us from all harm.

We give thanks for out bountiful gifts,

and the kindness of our benefactors the Gregs.

We commit ourselves entirely to thy disposal.

Whether we enjoy or suffer, or live or die,

may we be mercifully accepted as thy children,

and disciples of thy son Jesus Christ.

Amen.

- [All] Amen.

- I told yah.

I'll get you a job tomorrow.

(groaning in pain) (panting)

- It used to be our moral duty

to take care of the poor and the vulnerable.

That's what the carpenters son from Nazareth preached.

(crowd mumbling agreements)

But our Parliamentarians could teach

that humble water walker a thing of two.

Teach him that poverty is a crime,

and the criminals are the paupers.

It's their idleness, insobriety and vice

that causes poverty.

- Happen he's coming.

(screaming in pain)

- The English laborer did not cause the downturn.

A banking crisis in America started it,

so why should he suffer?

- All right Abe. - Aye.

- This won't do, this won't do at all.

- Who are you?

- James Windell, mill manager.

- John Howlett, pleased to meet yah.

- Standard hand spans four inches.

Little nimble fingers are what's required here.

- I can turn my hand to any kind of honest tile sir.

You'll find me a more then willing worker.

- Your wife and boys might suffice.

- Poor as I am, I hope I never stoop so low

as to allow my wife to work in cotton manufacturing.

- Me and my grandson are shoe makers.

Highly skilled artisans.

- I'm Job grandad.

- Job here, he isn't even staying.

- It's just me and the two youngest reporting tomorrow sir.

- The wise men in Westminster know that the solution

to poverty is not to increase wages or end unemployment,

no, the solution to poverty is to make the hungry hungrier.

Inflict even more suffering and indignity

upon the unfortunate so that sooner or later

they will find employment or die.

Either outcome reduces the financial burden

on the rate payer.

- I've allocated a cottage to the Howlett's.

The cellar to the Whitakers.

- We won't be needing the cellar,

we're all one family, so that will reduce the rent will it?

- It's not so bad, it's nice dad.

- Oh.

- You pass tomorrow's medical examination

you work for a probationary period.

Rent will be taken from your first weeks wages.

There's no work for under nine's, it's illegal now.

- Jacks nine, Timothy's 14.

(gentle suspenseful music)

- Looks like the new arrivals have started.

- You could say that yeah.

(baby gurgles)

- It's a boy.

- Can I hold him?

- After you've paid Mrs Goldbowen.

- Yeah.

- Goodbye ma.

- Wish I was going with him.

- Me too.

- Walk on.

(muffled chattering)

(church bells ringing) (bright music)

- Can I see Master Abbott?

- He's not here.

- Well he's usually first in.

- Not anymore.

- I'll call back at dinner time.

(machines whirring)

- Hey, Sarah Woods gone,

taken Susanna's place at the weaving shed.

- So there's a position here now?

An uncle again hey.

- Already says baby looks just like me.

- Oh never mind, long as it's healthy.

- Can you do this for me?

Can you prove their dates of birth?

- No call for all that red tape most days sir.

- I'm obliged to assess their age by their height.

- I know how old my own boys are.

- It's the law now we're all bound by rules and regulations.

Step over here boy, come on, against the wall.

Other then the Bible you'll never see a book

put to better use.

- Mr Howlett I'm sorry--

- As soon as I could walk I was out with my father.

Planting seed, feeding chickens.

That's all gone, so here we are,

and I will not allow some quill driver to tell me

when my boys are fit for work.

Do you understand?

- Have you come to a decision yet?

- [Peter] Not yet ma'am, I'm sorry.

- Everyone in England has a surname Peter.

It's not just the mill records,

Mr Sturg needs a full name to advertise your tour.

You're your own man now,

and you need a name to reflect that.

- It's a lot to reflect.

May I ask how you chose your name ma'am?

- Well I didn't exactly choose it,

I chose a husband.

- Well begging your pardon Mrs Greg,

perhaps if you've never had to do it yourself

you don't know how hard it is.

- How about Freeman, Peter Freeman.

- Freeman?

I'll give it some thought.

- Mrs Greg, do you know where I might find Master Robert?

He hasn't been in his office all morning.

- He's a member of Parliament now Esther.

- When will he be here next?

- I don't know, is it urgent?

- Um, my sister and her family are looking for work is all.

Do you need any more help in the garden?

- Not just at the moment no.

(bright music)

- Oh let's see him.

Have you got a name yet?

- Anthony, Tony for short.

- How is he?

- Two hands and three kids,

I don't think I knew what I was letting myself in for.

- Where's Martha?

- She's keeping her distance.

Did you ask Robert?

- He's not in.

- You do know there's a new family in the village don't yah?

And Daniel says there's more to come.

- So there must be positions here.

- Unless they've all been taken.

- Hi - Hey.

- Did you see your master?

- No, not yet but I will do.

He owes me a favor.

- Can't you do it inside?

- We need to let people know we're here.

- Knock on doors and tell them.

- Knock of an artisans hammer on his last

is the best way to spread such news.

Anything else is just words.

Give him his stampers, he needs to look busy.

- Have you come to work at the mill?

- Oh, we're shoe makers madam.

Abraham Whitaker and apprentice.

Might you be interested in our services?

- I might yeah, Esther Price, I'm an apprentice too.

- My grandson Will.

Feast your eyes on a craftsman in action.

- She is doing dad.

- I like what I see.

Shoes are a bit shabby though.

- I can make you a new pair.

Finest leather, made to measure.

- If you're an apprentice, you don't get paid do yah?

- And how much are they?

- Eight shillings.

Fit for a queen, comfort and durability guaranteed.

- You can't afford it.

- I'll be back with the money, guaranteed.

- [Mr. Boon] Where have you been?

- Sorry Mr Boon.

- Saved you some dinner.

- I lose three good hands to the weaving shed,

and what do I get in return?

A big galumpsus and his yokel offspring.

As much use as a nuns notch.

- Yeah well he can't be nine.

- Yeah I know, what can I do?

What's the problem here?

Come on, put some more effort into it,

we're here to do a job not make friends.

- [John] They'll learn sir.

- Mr Boon.

- What now?

(tense music)

- One of the machines have stopped.

- Can't Boon see to it?

- They say it needs an expert.

- Hey look at the size of the new boy.

- There's nothing I can do.

Maybe with that union of yours you could...

- Where you going?

- To measure the boy.

- Stay away from him.

- How old is he?

- Nine.

- Does he take after his mother?

- This is none of your business?

- Did you marry a dwarf?

- Work.

- [Esther] I can't, it's broke.

- Look, I know it's grim down south,

I know what you've come from.

- You know nothing about us.

- You're a worker like us all,

and people fought long and hard to change the law

and bring in new rules to protect our children.

- Your rules will starve my children.

He's nine, and he's fit for work.

- I've got an unemployed nephew who really is nine.

- She sabotaged her machine, and you both know it.

- A bolt on the rail.

I'm not sure that would count as actual sabotage.

- Master William I was just about to tell him that sir.

- Don't let me stop anyone.

- Daniel Bates, chief engineer.

William Greg.

- Right, my brothers told me a lot about you Bates.

I hear you're building a new engine for the weaving sheds.

- That's why my hands are dirty.

- First of the migrants, keen, grateful.

According to doctor one of the boys underage,

and the father's somewhat truculent.

- My father put me through the mill

when I wasn't much older then you.

How's your sister?

- Very happy.

Married, three children.

- Excellent, glad to hear it.

- The oldest one's his.

- So what brings you here sir.

- Master William will be in charge from now on.

He'll be taking over.

- You'll not find a keener worker then my sister,

and those southerners they don't know what they're doing.

- You mean they wouldn't know how to stop a mule

with a stray bolt.

I'd think carefully about my next remark if I was you.

- Look, she's desperate sir.

- She'll have to return to her own parish,

apply to the workhouse, I'm sorry, that's the law.

- Well can you loan me a couple of shillings

to help her out.

My indenture's finished soon,

I'll pay it off when I'm earning.

- You think you'll be kept on?

- I had an understanding with Master Robert,

he gave me his word.

- There's no record of any such understanding,

and if it's not written down it doesn't count.

- He promised, ask him, ask your mother.

- I make the decisions now.

But you'll find me a reasonable man.

- [Esther] I'll send you a couple of bob

every week I promise.

- And the immigrants are useful,

won't be long before they're sent back.

- As soon as that happens I'll let you know.

- Goodbye, don't worry about me.

- She'll be all right.

- Slip

and a hoop.

- How's the engine coming along?

- Nearly there.

William Greg's back.

There's no reason you should have to

come into contact with him.

- You'll see him every day.

Will that be a problem?

- No.

- Newcomers look desperate.

You should take them something over.

(baby crying)

- Is this to eat or to wash in?

- Uncalled for Abe.

- She knows I'm only joking don't you Beck?

I can hear you smiling.

- The man at the shop couldn't give me

anything on account.

- He's got a business to run,

he doesn't know us, and we're only here on approval for now.

- When will we know if we're staying?

- We'll stay, no master ever disapproved

of a Howlett's work.

We'll prove ourselves, you work hard you get your reward.

I aint hungry.

- Will had his first order today.

- That's good, how much?

- She was all talk that girl.

She won't come up with the coin.

(knocking on door)

- We'll manage till pay day.

- My wife thought you might find a use for this,

until you get your wages.

- That's very neighborly.

- Can I ask what they're paying yah?

- You can ask but I judge it bad manners.

- There's been some rumors, and I'm secretary of the union.

- I don't hold with union.

- Well, I'm chairing a meeting on Saturday,

Horseshoe Inn, why don't you come along,

get to know people, talk things through.

- And spend my wages?

- Look, I know why you lied about your son,

I've heard about the food riots down south.

- We're a law abiding family.

- Until it comes to factory law.

- We don't need charity, we stand on our own two feet

in this house.

(somber music)

(church bells ringing) (people chattering)

- [Esther] Even though Master Robert's not here,

he's still in charge isn't he?

- No his brother is.

- Well has he asked you about the agreement I had

with Master Robert?

- We discussed it and I'm sure he will speak to you.

Now run along.

- Your new master what's his name?

- William Greg.

I know, same as the old one.

- How many Greg men are there?

- God knows.

Why are you here?

Is there no muck needs digging up where you come from?

- Plenty.

- Esther you'll be late.

- He's good with machines, not so good with people.

He tries to do the right thing but sometimes--

- John's a proud man.

- Pride never filled an empty belly, take it.

Pay me back when you can.

- Thank you.

- I'm Susanna.

- Rebecca.

- [Esther] Your brother promised me a position

if I kept my mouth shut.

- How does that effect me, it's history now.

- I could tell him about your private maths lessons

with Susanna.

- Destroy your friends reputation,

make a fool of her husband, embarrass the child.

- Everyone who knows her knows how you treated her,

including Daniel.

Maybe everyone who knows you should know the same.

Does Mrs Greg know?

I need the position I was promised,

and an advance on my wages.

- Add to one column and you subtract from another.

If she stays someone else has to go.

- Well one of the southerners.

- Master Robert has left us somewhat contractually obliged

in that regard.

- Anyone else we could lose?

- Mollie Murphy's indentures for two years,

it finished some time ago.

- But you can't split her up from her little sister.

- It's your choice Esther, I could ask Mr Windell

to advance you a loan, you could pay it off

in weekly installments when you begin employment,

but I'll need something in return.

- She's gone to the workhouse, I'm sorry.

- Why?

- Her terms ended, and there's less call for apprentices

now there's more children in the village.

- When did this get decided, you can't separate sisters,

without even telling them.

- Or letting them say goodbye.

- My hands are tied, you'll have to sleep with Patience

from now on.

- What?

- James says you're an even number again,

shared beds is the rule.

It keeps you warmer and saves on linen.

(somber music)

- What are we gonna do about this?

- Nothing we can do.

(child crying)

- You can sleep on the floor

because I'm sick of hearing your constant

mewling in me ear.

- Leave her alone, she's missing her sister.

- It's not my fault.

We've all lost someone otherwise we wouldn't be here.

- Come on Patience, have a heart.

- Why should I suffer?

- Mary-Anne's suffering, she has to share with you.

(girls screaming)

- Back off and shut up.

Everyone else is two to a bed.

It's all right.

- Hey, hey, Mollie's only in Stockport,

you can visit on Sundays.

Hey, when trade picks up they'll bring her back, hey.

(somber music)

I've got to put myself first Dawn,

but William said he'd abide by Master Robert's promise.

If Molly goes he'll keep me on, as long as I don't

cause any trouble between now

and the end of my apprenticeship.

But he made promised to Susanna and broke 'em,

soon as he put a pea in her pod.

Why am I trusting him, what if he's just keeping me quiet.

(fire roaring)

(engine whirring)

- Well done Bates. (applauds)

Superb work.

My brother was right about you.

A little volatile for your misguided notion

but sometimes a temperamental genius has to be indulged.

I think I can get more from you.

How many looms do we have at the moment Mr Windell?

- 20.

- Room for 100 in those sheds.

- We don't need more then 20 in current

trading conditions master.

- Conditions change, let's be ambitious.

How could you adapt and improve

this magnificent machine.

So we could get five times more power from it.

- Try an extra cylinder.

- An extra cylinder that's the spirit Bates.

You give it some thought,

together we'll make it happen.

- Is that wise master?

The weaving sheds cost thousands,

exports are down, trade's stagnant.

Can we afford to invest like that now?

- We can't afford not too.

- There's a wage cut coming,

and when the hands find out they don't want to hear

their new master talking about more machines.

- You know I've got their best interests at heart.

(people chattering)

- John Howlett and sons.

- Master William wants to see you in his office.

Wait there.

- This is it, if there's a cut for me,

then there's a position.

They wouldn't give me a loan if they weren't

gonna let me pay it off.

- What's this?

- Most manufacturers cut their wages months ago,

others are laying people off, we have to compete.

- Can't manage on this.

Wages are down.

- Blame the corn laws, it's them that are strangling trade.

- Why does the corn law affect cotton?

- Why doesn't every man have a decent shirt on his back?

- That's a good question master, I've often wondered.

- Because the cost of bread is so high.

Why is it so high?

Because the grain grows on land owned by aristocrats

who pass laws to keep it high.

End the bread tax, end trade tariffs.

We'll expand our market, every man will be able

to afford a shirt again.

There'll be more employment and higher wages.

- I see well that does make sense yeah.

- That's what my brother Robert has gone to Parliament

to achieve, but until he succeeds,

if we are to keep competing then we must reduce costs.

I'm sorry, really I am,

believe me we have no choice.

- Thank you master, I appreciate you taking the time out

to explain.

- If everyone's wages are cut less shirts will be bought.

- Exactly what I was gonna say.

- Anything for me sir?

- Eight bob loan, to be paid off a tanner a week.

Sign here.

- That's enough to keep Martha going for a week or two,

but would it make any difference in the long run.

- I've been watching you, I've made some inquiries

and you're not suited to this work are you?

- Let me work outside like that Blackamore,

I could do that, give me that.

Put a spade in my hand and I'll show you master.

I'll work twice as hard as any man you've got,

black or white.

(upbeat music)

- Little straw baggers, it's your fault

our wages are short.

Go home, you don't belong here.

That'll tell them, yokels.

(mumbling)

- Hey, what's the matter?

- I hate it here, I want to go home, we all do.

- What's brought this on hmm?

- It's nought to do with corn laws.

- It's William Greg coming in wanting to make his mark.

- They've cut our wages to pay for the weaving sheds

and that damned engine of yours.

- Machinery isn't the enemy here,

it'll improve our lives when it's used properly,

and the slave compensation scheme

paid for the sheds.

- If we wanna talk to you we'll bang a drum.

- The government paid a 20 million pound ransom

to the plantation owners for the release of their slaves.

- Slave compensation and it went to white men.

20 million pounds.

- Out of the pockets of poor white men like us,

in taxes.

- I should buy you a drink, seems I owe you my freedom.

- You don't seem very grateful.

- I don't feel very free.

- You should join us.

- Aint my fight.

- It's all our fight.

We're ruled by the rich,

and they look after their own interests.

Once we get working men in government like us

then things will chance.

- Tell me.

Tell me your wage cuts my fault.

- It's not your fault.

- Tell me.

(indistinct shouting)

Don't tell my boys, tell a man.

- No one's blaming you, you're a victim of the poor law.

- I'm no victim.

- We've all had the same wage cut.

You didn't know it was the cut--

- It's the first weeks wage I've had in seven weeks.

- It isn't a full week.

- If it isn't enough for you, find another job.

- Look you've got to understand that if you accept it

we all have accept it, but if you join us

then we can fight it.

- And put our master out of business

because he can't compete.

- That won't happen.

- Why not?

- Believe me, you can't trust William Greg.

- I trust him more then you,

and if he can't compete the mill shuts,

and no one works.

- You're an agricultural laborer, you plow your own fields.

Here we depend on each other.

Have you heard of Tolpuddle.

Those men were poor, southern farm laborers like you.

- I'd send them back, back to Australia.

Back with all the other crooks, like you,

too lazy to work.

(indistinct shouting)

(glass breaking)

You're my overseer and I respect you as my superior,

and all you threw away were the nutals of a dead sheep

but they belong to my sons.

Find them, or I'll rip the bones from your hands

and my boys will play with them in future.

(groaning in pain)

- Never could (mumbles, we'd have beat him.

- Seems to me you pick on a mans children,

you aint got the right to beat him.

(somber music)

- How could you do that to your overseer?

- He won't be my overseer for long.

Master William's seen something in me he likes.

First time he clapped eyes on me

I was standing up to that union man,

and as soon as I get the hang of the muleing,

he wants me to be the overseer, after one week.

Everything I told yah, about working hard,

refusing handouts, it was true.

We came looking for a better life, and we found it.

- But everyone hates us.

- Not everyone, not the people who matter.

We're staying, we're gonna work hard,

and we're gonna succeed.

- Told yah, once I set my heart on something

it's as good as mine.

- I thought that was for Martha.

- She's all the way in Liverpool,

there's no way to get it to her.

- I said you northern girls have ways

of making a shilling, didn't I?

- I'll let you know when they're ready.

- Made to measure you said, fit for a queen.

So get measuring.

- I can see what size you are.

- For eight bob I want them to fit properly.

Measure me.

- Have you no shame.

- Do you want me money or not?

- What's up Will, is she a six toer?

- No.

- Then get on with it Will.

- Yeah, get on with it Will.

They say you can tell he's got a skilled mans hands

as soon as he touches yah.

(Esther giggles)

Now the other one.

- It's the same.

- Oh come on, please.

- I'll let you know when they're done.

- I'll hang onto this for now then.

- Well I need it to buy leather.

- Those men sacrificed their lives for their beliefs.

They were martyrs.

- They didn't die Daniel.

- Yeah because we saved them.

The people said no and brought them home,

and he calls them lazy.

- As soon as you throw the first punch

you've lost the argument.

- I know, it couldn't have gone any worse.

After he left the men voted to accept the wage cut.

They're afraid, so once again William Greg

does what he wants and gets away with it.

- You're her father.

He's just the man who pays her fathers wages.

- He's the man I should have swung for.

- Don't lose your temper and we'll be fine.

(knocking on door)

- Hello, I'm sorry, I just wanted to ask,

I need to get money to me sister in Liverpool.

- Where have you got money from?

- A loan from Master William.

He says I can pay it back from me wages,

he's promised to keep me on.

- You think he's a man of his word.

- He's a man of his brothers word, here's the proof.

Now how can I get it to Martha.

- She did nothing about molly.

Now this, she's changed.

She said she was gonna start putting herself first.

- And eight bob for Martha won't make

much difference in the long run.

- Scouse as well, what a good day.

What's up?

- You could have got that money to Martha somehow.

- Daniel's mate, (mumbles)

He's taking it tomorrow while he's at the docks.

Oh you didn't seriously think I'd put

a pair of shoes before me sister did yah?

- So you're not getting them?

- Oh I'll get them and me handsome shoemaker.

Now he's seen me money he'll have to wait

to get his hands on it.

(laughs)

(suspenseful music)

- I need my mules to run quicker.

- It wouldn't be safe.

Someone will get hurt.

- And you'll be around to kiss them better.

- I'm keeping my distance, in case I smash

his self-righteous face in.

- Esther will be gone soon, then things'll change.

- I'll miss you, you know.

- New home.

- New neighbors and old friends.

- I can't walk out with you.

- Change your mind, you know where I'll be.

I'll be dancing.

(singing)

- Peter Gardener.

- Mirian Catterall.

- I am very pleased to meet you Miriam.

(upbeat music)