Ludlocks

Ludlocks, also known as Luddites, were a group of English workers in the early 19th century who protested against the introduction of mechanized textile machinery. The term "Luddite" is derived from Ned Ludd, a fictional character in a 1779 ballad who destroyed two stocking frames as a protest against the use of machinery in the textile industry. The Luddites were primarily skilled artisans, such as weavers, who feared that the new machinery would lead to unemployment and a decline in their status and wages.

The Luddite movement gained momentum in the early 1810s, with widespread protests and acts of violence against textile mills and machinery. The government responded with harsh measures, including the passing of the Frame Breaking Act in 1812, which made it illegal to damage or destroy machinery. Despite these efforts, the Luddite movement continued to grow, with outbreaks of violence occurring in various parts of England.

The Luddite movement ultimately failed to achieve its goals, as the government and textile industry continued to adopt mechanized production. However, the Luddites' protests highlighted the social and economic tensions of the time, and their legacy continues to be studied by historians and sociologists. The term "Luddite" has since come to be used more broadly to describe anyone who is opposed to technological or social change.