I visited the members of Morley Community Archives last week to find out a bit more about the textile industry in the town, particularly, of course, the shoddy industry. As we’ve mentioned before on this blog, Benjamin Law is usually given credit for inventing shoddy, but sometimes his brother-in-law, Benjamin Parr, and/or his son, also … More Morley: the shoddy connection
On a train ride from Leeds to Dewsbury, just before you arrive at Dewsbury station, look out of the windows on the left of the train for a marvellous view of Machell’s Shoddy and Mungo Mill. The sign along the front has been repainted so it clearly and proudly states the building’s previous use- it … More Machell’s Shoddy and Mungo Mill
From The History of the Shoddy-Trade: Its Rise, Progress and Present Position, by Samuel Jubb, published 1860. This is the definitive guide to shoddy, written at the height of manufacturing in Britain, which was largely centred around west Yorkshire particularly Batley, Dewsbury and Morley – which gives us the link to Leeds. Batley is widely … More “Not a single thing belonging the Shoddy system is valueless or useless”
Shoddy has many meanings and resonances, and this project and blog will cover the following themes: • Shoddy, the material, shoddy industry in Leeds/West Yorkshire, woollen industry. Local history, heritage. Production and use of shoddy fabric e.g. military uniforms. WW1. Local museums and mills: Armley Mills, Sunny Bank Mills, Royal Armouries. Mill work, wool, felt. … More Themes of Shoddy
