Friday, July 20, 2012

FFF55: Victorian Philanthropy

Quarry Bank Mill
Since the earliest days of industrialisation, factory owners created communities for their work forces, based around a centre of production. Their apparent generosity earned them the title of philanthropist. In truth they were just maximising performance. A healthy workforce is a productive one, so looking after staff meant individuals worked harder and longer, increasing profits.


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I'm working on my novel again, and it's got a lot in it about the Industrial Revolution and social changes that came about with it. These 55 words are adapted from a chapter I'm currently working on.

Sorry, no central character G-Man - but it has a sort of plot.

For more 55s go see the G at Mister Knowitall's Blog

12 comments:

Sandra Davies said...

I was reminded yesterday of Thomas Armstrong (the ex-libris 'Crowthers of Bankdam' fell off the shelf when I was looking for something else) - he is good for Industrial Revolution - mills and mines and suchlike - but I don't know if he's still n print.

Sandra Davies said...

Just checked Amazon, and he's not - just ancient HB copies like mine, ranginf from 0.01p to £20!

Unknown said...

I am reading and helping my youngest with history and you just hit the nail! It is so true...there are always two or even three ways to look at a deed.

Well done! I am going to let my daughters read this! I do not often make them read post,only the really relevant ones. Kudos!

hugs
shskira


The Dinner

MorningAJ said...

Thanks Shakira. Keep watching - there will be more.

Sandra - I'm blaming you for the fact that I've just bought a copy of King Cotton - when I'm trying to create space in my house - not increase clutter!

Scarlet said...

Nice share ~ I can relate to the other activities as all leading back to profits and productivity ~

Good luck on your writing ~

G-Man said...

Thats so....Victorian!
Good luck on the novel
I LOVE History
Loved your 55
Thanks for playing, and please have a Kick Ass Week-End

Akelamalu said...

There was method in their madness!

Good one. :)

izzy said...

I am glad fact can be glossed to fiction- I only have a pinch in mine! thanks-

Myrna R. said...

Healthy conditions are always more profitable, not just with money. Like what you wrote. It sounds like your novel is very interesting.

Bubba said...

Your 55 sounds almost Marxist in its industrial theme, but I mean that as a compliment.

Oh, and don't worry about not having a central character or plot for your 55...

G-Man isn't exactly one for strictly following the rules, if you know what I mean. ☺

Brian Miller said...

oh i def agree...the intentions are def not so honorable....better to keep them well so they can produce surely...

snafu said...

Check your email. The srticle I am sending was serialised in the Strand Magazine around 1896. The author was an investagative journalist who allegedly climbed over walls to talk to the workers. You may find it helps with your research.