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The Industrial Revolution - The Child Labour Debate

Joseph Hebergram - Factory Boy

 Nick video
In association with Spartacus Education
 
  

debate index

My name is Joseph Hebergram and I was born in Huddersefield in 1815. I work at George Addison's Bradley Mill and have been doing so since I was 7 years of age. I do not agree with making young children work in the mills. For that reason I lost use of my left leg. I think parliament should pass legislation making it illegal for children under the age of twelve to work in textile factories. My brother died in the factory, because he had to work such long hours in the factory. My life has been ruined because of the mills. If I had 1000 pounds, I would use them to have use of my limbs again.

  I have to work from 5 in the morning until 8 at night, and I do not consider it fit for other children to do the same. I would not like to bestow what happened to me on another innocent child. 

We cannot even sit down to have a meal. Working fourteen and a half hours are meant for adults, or at least people over the age of 12. Therefore, I think parliament should pass legislation making it illegal for children under the age of 12 to work in the factories.