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Societies

The information in this section is an edited version taken from Llanelli - Birth of a Town a CdRom by William and Benita Rees

Social Reform

From the beginning of the 19th century there was much social upheaval and industrial strife. The Industrial Revolution was under way and there were periods of industrial depression followed by unemployment. When work was available it was hard, wages were low and the price of commodities was high.

Social amenities were almost non-existent and the deprivation created discontent, which later led to the Chartist Riots, industrial unrest and strikes. They were harsh days for industrial workers and their families, who must have felt that a life of hardship and frustration was their destiny.

Towards the mid-19th century some inspired people tried to improve conditions and pressed forward with schemes for social, economic and industrial reform.

Lord Shaftsbury laboured for many years, both in Parliament and out, to curb the exploitation of young children in industry. Boys and girls, many younger than six years of age, were employed to do brutalising work in the coalmines, mills and factories, working unreasonable hours. In 1842, after many years of campaigning, Shaftsbury introduced the Mines Act, which made it illegal for boys under the age of ten to be employed in coalmines. Female labour was forbidden in the mines.

It was during this period that many benevolent institutions were founded:

1833 British National Schools founded in 1810, were the first to receive Government Grants of £10,000 for each organisation.

1843 Ragged Schools Union provided education for under privileged boys.

1844 The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was established.

1866 Dr Barnado’s Homes cared for orphaned children.

1870 The Education Act, which eventually led to State education, made it mandatory for parents to ensure that their children over the age of five were provided with a suitable standard of education, in a State school if necessary.

1884 National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) was formed.

These, and other benevolent organisations, prepared the way for social amenities, industrial emancipation, and facilities for culture and education for the ordinary working people.