Spitalfields - Irish Spitalfields Flashcards
Who were the Irish migrants who arrived in Spitalfields, and when did their migration start?
The Irish migrants who arrived in Spitalfields were a mixture of unskilled laborers and linen weavers. Their migration began in the 1730s.
Why did the Irish migrants come to Spitalfields?
The Irish migrants came to Spitalfields to escape poverty caused by the anti-Catholic Penal Laws in Ireland and the collapse of the Irish linen industry. Migration also occurred in the wake of the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s.
How were the Irish migrants received by the existing population in Spitalfields?
The Irish migrants were sometimes met with tension due to anti-Catholic prejudice. For example, in 1780, there were anti-Catholic riots across London during the Gordon Riots. Additionally, tension arose over employment, as Irish workers were often willing to accept lower wages, causing conflict with English workers.
What impact did the Irish migrants have on the silk industry in Spitalfields?
The Irish migrants played a significant role in the silk industry in Spitalfields. They were employed in large workshops, often leading to poor pay and conditions. Additionally, they became known for their activism in campaigning against poor pay and conditions, forming combinations to protect their interests, similar to early trade unions.
What was the outcome of the tensions in the silk industry in Spitalfields?
Tensions in the silk industry in Spitalfields culminated in the Cutters’ Riots of the 1760s. The government responded with the Spitalfields Act of 1773, allowing weavers to negotiate pay with magistrates. However, by the end of the eighteenth century, the Spitalfields silk industry was in decline, leading to economic hardship in the area.
