Event Details

In collaboration with the Open University, the Regional Heritage Centre hosts a special event commemorating 200 years since the 1826 Lancashire handloom weavers uprising with additional commemorative activities, including musical performances and an art exhibition ongoing throughout the afternoon.

Lancashire weavers, driven by poverty and the threat to their livelihood posed by industrialisation, rose up in protest, but their civil unrest ended in violence and a tragic loss of life. As part of a broader programme of activities to by the Weavers Uprising Bicentennial Committee to commemorate the Weavers, we'll be in the Lancaster Castle Suite with a panel of expert speakers looking at the context of these troubling events, sifting the historical record and exploring differing interpretations.

Speakers include Dr Colin Penny (Museum Manager Lancaster Castle), Dr David Scott (Weavers Uprising Bicentennial Committee/Open University), and Dr Joseph Cozens (The National Archives). During the afternoon, participants will be free to explore a special exhibition on view in the Castle as well as experience commemorative musical performances.

Programme

9.30 am Assemble Lancaster Suite (tea/coffee is not served at the beginning of the day – but will be available mid-morning)

09:50 – 10:00 Welcome & Introduction – Dr Sophie Ambler and Dr Clare Egan, RHC Co-Directors

10:00 – 10:40 The Chatterton Shootings of 1826 and why they were not a massacre – Dr Colin Penny (Museum Manager Lancaster Castle)

(30-minute talk followed by Q&A)

10:40 – 11:00 Coffee/Tea/Biscuit Break

11:00 – 11:40 Why Chatterton is a massacre – Dr David Scott (Open University/Weavers Uprising Bicentennial Committee)

(30-minute talk followed by Q&A)

11:40 – 11:50 Comfort break

11:50 – 12:25 Sources from The National Archives – Dr Joseph Cozens (The National Archives)

(30-minute talk followed by Q&A)

12:25 – 12:30 Closing Remarks

12:30 Study Day Ends

During the afternoon, participants are free to attend commemorative musical performance events in town and at the Castle including on-stage speakers at 13:15 and 15:10 in the Castle courtyard. Participants can also browse the related ‘Rise Up! Lock Down’ exhibition on display in C wing.

Please note this event will be for in-person attendance only and will not be recorded.