The real history of the Industrial Revolution with a new, up-to-date analysis of the events surrounding this period

The Industrial Revolution was a period of exceptional change for the whole of Britain, not only in technology but in law and order as well. However, in Manchester, the "capital of discontent," events related to the Plug Plots, Peterloo, and the Chartists created a very real fear of revolution on the streets of England. The new police force became mired in political controversy, providing some disturbing but often amusing examples of corruption and misconduct. Here Hewitt examines the reactions of those who experienced it: how they survived in the "most dangerous" town with those such as notorious serial killer Charlie Peace, supposedly corrupt deputy constable Joseph Nadin, and illiterate millworker-turned-Home Secretary John Robert Clynes roaming about. Fascinating and certainly eye-opening, this account of Industrial Revolution Manchester is enough to whet anyone’s appetite.