Luddite Spring: Episode 10 - Apprenticed!
...He remembered the day he and about sixty other children were told to make a paper parcel of their belongings. Brown paper and string were provided. They were loaded into the back of two horse drawn carts and trundled over unmade roads for five days...
Ronnie Bray continues his novel which highlights the evils which prevailed at the start of the Indusrial Revolution.
John Atkinson remembered little of his life with his father, mother, and sisters, all of whom had perished when the houses fell down. What he did remember of his younger life was the orphanage where life was brutal, burdensome, and where he was deprived of human affection. He and his fellows were constantly reminded that they were paupers with no one to care for them, and that they were to be grateful that Providence had ordained the Institution to care for them.
The currency of their thanks was uncomplaining compliance with the harsh rules and regulations that confined their minds, bodies, and souls within its walls. They learned through stripes and fear to yield to the tutors that directed their labours, tormented their minds, abused their bodies, and determined every aspect of their lives. John grew sad and sullen, lacking the spontaneity common to children. He lived in permanent dread that an unnamed tragedy was about to come descend onto his head and crush him.
He remembered the day he and about sixty other children were told to make a paper parcel of their belongings. Brown paper and string were provided. They were loaded into the back of two horse drawn carts and trundled over unmade roads for five days before arriving at Staithes’ Outcote Mill.
Their bodies were bruised and pained at being confined with little room to stretch themselves during the journey so that even jumping from the cart was painful. From that moment, he was just another factory apprentice whose individuality and needs were ignored.
