The Philosophy of Luddism: The Case of the West of England Woolen Workers, ca. 1790-1809

Abstract

This was owing in a great degree to the circumstances that the manufacture of woollen cloth was rendered very perfect ... long before the improved system [of machinery] was begun; and there were great numbers of experienced and able workmen trained up for each process who performed their work as well as could be done by machine. The reduction of labour ... was in this case all that machinery of the most perfect kind could effect; both these were advantages to the public and the manufacturer, but were so directly opposite to the inclination and interest of the able workmen that we find they have made greater and more effectual opposition to the introduction of improvements in the woollen than in any other of our great manufactures.'