The Hierarchy in Woolen Mills in Yorkshire by Barbara Magson Leck

I was sent a book to read by my cousin, Wendy Robinson, called ALL MUCK AND NETTLES, The Early Life of Burler and Mender #57, by Vera Smith, daughter of James William Magson and Annie Brook. As my grandfather worked in woolen mills, even after immigrating to the United States, I was most interested in the working conditions and the hierarchy of the mills. This book was published by the Bradford Libraries and Information Service, and my grandfather was actually born in Bradford. Many Magsons in their research have found ancestors employed by the mills, so for those of us who are scattered and know nothing about mill structure, here is what Vera shares with her readers in the book.

Structure of Working Mills in Bradford in the 1930's:

I. Mill Manager - in charge of the Whole Mill

II. Weaving Manager - in charge of everyone in the weaving sheds

A. Overlookers and Loom Tuners

B. All the weavers (women)

C. Bobbin Liggers

D. Weft Men

E. Loom Cleaners and Learners

III. Mending Manageress

A. 2 Passers

B. 1 Percher

C. 40 Menders and 6 Learners

IV. Warehouse Manager

A. Grey Percher

B. Finished Percher

C. Packers

V. Warping Manager

A. All Warpers and Twisters

B. Reaching -in people and sometimes Learners

VI. Office Staff

A. 2 Women Clerks

B. 1 Wages Clerk

C. 1 Office Boy

D. 1 Designer

VII. Canteen

A. 1 Cook (She did no cooking, only warmed things up in the oven.)

B. 2 Cleaners for the Toilets and the Canteen

One never spoke to the office staff, as they were considered "above you". The Overlookers were more important than Warpers and Twisters; these were all male jobs. Passers and the Percher in the mending department were one below the Manageress but one above the Menders; allthe Menders were above the Weavers. I had the impression that time had stood still, as most of these mills and their systems were very old.

Barbara Magson Leck