Year 6 pupils have been learning about the Industrial Revolution, exploring the lives of those who lived and worked through one of the most dramatic periods of change in British history. Through diary entries and letters, they’ve given voices to the children and families who toiled in mines, mills and factories. This was not just a creative writing exercise, but a window into a time when childhood was cut short by hard labour, harsh conditions and the relentless demands of industry.
Below are two powerful examples of their work…
Tuesday 14th March 1842
Dear diary,
Before the sun had even risen, I was already working my fingers to the bone down in the mine. My clothes were blood stained and torn; my hair unwashed and burnt to a crisp and my feet numb from the cold.
My day to day was worse than any day I’ve had before. I had to push coal down tight tunnels. The floor was crawling with rats and every so often, one of them would take a nibble at my swollen, bruised toes.
Screams echoed down the long winding tunnels. Every time I heard them, a little part of me died, knowing that one of my brothers or sisters had met their fate at the hands of the boss.
Oh, anyone, please help me…
Kitty H
23rd September 1843
To whom it may concern
Parliament office, London
Dear Sir or Madam,
With a deep sadness in my heart, I write to you today to plead for change. As a mother of a once healthy and strong spirited little girl, I can no longer sit still while those innocent souls continue to suffer at the hands of this wicked industry.
For the past five months, my daughter, Victoria, has been working at the local wheat mill from the early hours of the morning till long after dark. Now, at just seven years old, she lays motionless and spiritless, and I shall not stand for it I say!
The air in this gruelling mill is thick with lint and fumes. With every choked breath my daughter took, her lungs filled with poison and tar. How, may I ask you, do you think this is a good industry?
I urge you to put these young souls out of their misery. This cruel fate is killing our children. The factories may feed this empire, but it’s our children’s lives that are at risk.
Your faithfully,
Emilia P
