Primary and Secondary Sources

Source

What does this source say about conditions for children?

Who wrote it?

Why did they write it (motive)?

Is the source biased?

Source 2(Memoir of Robert Blincoe)

Describes a child’s first day at the mill: overwhelming noise, unbearable smells, constant physical strain, punishment (whipping), and severe hunger and thirst.

Robert Blincoe (child labourer recounting his own experience)

To document and expose the brutal, dangerous nature of factory work for children.

Yes – as a personal account it is subjective and emotionally charged, but it provides valuable firsthand evidence.

Source 3(Report by Leonard Horner)

Details a catastrophic accident where a young girl was caught in machinery, illustrating the inherent dangers of working in factories.

Leonard Horner, an Inspector of Factories for the government

To inform the government of unsafe conditions in factories and support the need for reforms under the Factory Act.

Relatively low bias – it is an official report, though his role means he focuses on highlighting dangerous conditions for reform purposes.

Source 4(Testimony of Elizabeth Bentley)

Claims that in her visits she never witnessed corporal punishment; children appeared cheerful, energetic, and even enjoyed showing off their skills.

Elizabeth Bentley, a factory worker questioned by Parliament

Possibly to present a more positive or defensive view of factory conditions, perhaps to counter criticisms of industrial practices.

Yes – likely biased in favor of the factory system, as it downplays the negative aspects of child labor.

Source 5(Dr Andrew Ure’s The Philosophy of Manufactures, 1835)

Offers a supportive view of the new industrial system, implicitly suggesting that factory work (including that of children) was an acceptable, modern method of production.

Dr Andrew Ure, a strong proponent of industrialisation

To promote and justify the benefits and efficiency of the new industrial methods.

Yes – strongly biased in favor of industry; it tends to minimize or ignore the harsh realities of child labor.

Source 6(Painting of Nassau William Senior)

As an artistic depiction, it reflects the attitude of industrialists—emphasising order, discipline, and efficiency in the factory environment. (It does not directly describe child labor, but its inclusion reveals an industrialist perspective.)

Painted by an artist (depicting Nassau William Senior, a factory owner)

To convey the image of successful and disciplined industrial management.

Yes – as an artwork it is interpretative and meant to project a positive image of industrial practice rather than provide factual evidence.

Source 7(Letter by Nassau William Senior)

Expresses dissatisfaction with the Factory Act, arguing that government inspections disrupt the strict discipline needed in factories. Implicitly suggests that the harsh methods (which affected all workers, including children) are necessary for productivity.

Nassau William Senior, a factory owner

To defend his business interests and argue against reforms that would interfere with factory operations.

Yes – highly biased, as it seeks to protect industrial practices and downplays any negative impacts on workers, including children.