the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Dowlais Iron Company workers : 

5 March 1853: 'At 6 I went down again to the [workmen's] Room and to my surprise found the library finished and furnished, the refreshments all about and everything looked as nice as possible. How grateful I shall be if this may save some from frequenting the Beer house. I staid about half an hour making various arrangements ... Great numbers came in, and were all delighted, and there were a great many readers of papers etc. Indeed when we left there were above a hundred people there, reading, eating, talking and smoking!'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Dowlais Iron Company workers     Print: Newspaper

Dowlais Iron Company workers : 

19 March 1853: 'I turned into the workmen's Room for a moment [...] About a dozen men were enjoying the smoking room. Maria [Lady Charlotte's daughter] counted 50 in the long room all reading or writing and perfectly silent. So intent were they on their books that no one looked up as we went in. Not a head was raised till I spoke in a low voice to one of the readers and asked if they had all they wanted [...] Such a sight I never hoped to see, so orderly, so well dressed, so rationally happy; I only hope it may last.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Dowlais Iron Company workers     Print: Book

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