Exploration of Saltaire

Exploration of Saltaire

1 Why was Saltaire built? (10)

Living conditions in industrial towns at this time were really

outrageous for many, and disease was able to spread swiftly in the

unsanitary, unhealthy conditions which were a common characteristic of

many of the industrial towns of this era. Cholera outbreaks in 1832

and 1844 killed many and reflected a disregard for the laws of health

and cleanliness. Work conditions at this time were also poor.

Thousands of children from seven to fourteen years were compulsory to

work from six o'clock in the morning to seven o'clock in the evening

with no more than a half an hour break. Machines were also sometimes

hazardous so workers could get injured or even die. Wages were so poor

in mills that workers could just afford to pay the rent on their

accommodation leaving them with barely anything else for other

necessities. A classic example of a industrial city with pitiable

surroundings in this period was Bradford in the North of England.

One man who wanted to bring to an end all these conditions was Titus

Salt who was born in 1803 and raised up in Bradford. Titus was the

eldest of seven children. Titus had at one time thought of becoming a

doctor however changed his mind after leaving school and went to work

in Wakefield, working with a wool stapler. The Salt family moved to

Bradford in 1822 to start work in a wool stapling business. Here Titus

worked with a company called Rouse & Son. Their motto was 'Those who

have helped us to get money shall help us to enjoy it.' Titus would

adopt this attitude when he opened Saltaire later in his life. He

cared about his workers and wanted them t...

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...k by Salt as there is now graffiti and vandalism in the

village.

When Saltaire was first built it was one of the largest mills in the

world in fact the first fully integrated mill. It must have been

really important as Titus had good houses built which in comparison to

other leading cities was really excellent.

Saltaire was also a substantial achievement as it proved you could

treat workers well and as well as that it made good profits.

Furthermore it also provided free health care and free education well

before they were free nationally which meant that Titus wanted a

clever and healthy workforce.

Lastly it is still recognised today as a fantastic achievement home

and abroad as it has won many awards and even pupils study about now

in school. For all these reasons I think it is a substantial

achievement.