Merthyr Flashcards
(28 cards)
What factors helped the iron industry develop so rapidly?
There was a variety of raw materials on the area as well as improved transport facilities. Such as coal, high quality iron and steel as well as water. There was also a high population which increased production for this demand of rich resources
Why was there such a growth in the population?
Because the supply of ironstone began to ran out and as a result needed to build new steelworks elsewhere. There were no planning laws or town council to regulate this expansion, and as a consequence turned overcrowded filthy and unhealthy quickly. They had to build houses for workers close to ironworks and coal mines as possible.
What were the housing conditions of the skilled artisans in 1850s
Two stories high with many furniture
- chairs window and table
- two bedrooms but no toilet ( accom
What was the slum housing like in Merthyr during 1849
Vagrants or “trampers” lived here
Situated in a dip or hollow of terraced houses
Overcrowded - industrial revolution
Stench was revolting, rotten vegetables and bodies cramped together - slept on floors
What was the life expectancy for an industrial worker
22.
What was the highest death rate out of the life stages
Children. Three quarters of deaths were children under five
Which outbreaks were disease were present during Merthyr poor living conditions
Typhoid Smallpox Scarlett fever Measles Cholera frequently
When did public taps in Merthyr finally become available
1861
What was the water like in Merthyr
Dirty, many people emptied their waste onto the streets which never were cleaned
What was the truck system?
The truck system was how the iron workers got paid, using tokens. Being operated by Dowlais and Homfreys
How did the truck system add to the poverty of Merthyr
Iron workers weren’t getting paid like they use to and they were encouraged to take out loans and go into debt. This system of payment was known as long pay
What was the sexual nature like due to lawlessness in Merthyr
Prostitution became frequent
Were notorious in China for stealing from clients
Encouraged men to drink
Seen in Poorest parts of town
What was poverty like at Merthyr due to lawlessness
Stealing clothing, food and coal
Vagrants and beggars present
Were attracted to Merthyr
What was leisure time like in Merthyr due to lawlessness
Worst drunkers were women
Drunken brawls
Violence in Irish population of the town
How was the iron works in Merthyr’s lawlessness period
In discipline
Stole coal from the ironworks because so poor
What was “Little Hell”
Known as a rookery, worst place in Merthyr for crime near carthafer
Who was an emperor and empress
Dominated the area, with powerful criminals who got the nickname “celestial empire”
What were Rodnies in Merthyr
Child thieves and pickpocketters under supervision of gang masters
Who were bullies
Gave instructions to prostitutes and protected their partners in crime
What was the problem with arresting the emperor and empress
As soon as they were arrested other criminals inherited their roles (imperial titles)
What elements of self policing existed in Merthyr
Public humiliation
Wooden horse
Pelted with mad and stoens
What was the failings of Merthyr
Only had constables doing policing who weren’t paid and didn’t take their job seriously, wasn’t enough police watching the area as it was expanding.
What happened in 1816 Merthyr
Price of food increased and depression
Army was called - highlights police force wasnt great
Reduced the wages
Dic penderyn came
When was the Merthyr uprising
1831, sparked by anger at low pay, debt and appalling working conditions in the iron works and mines of the town. Organisers say the festival marks the town’s proud history of radicalism and creativity.
