A BOLTON engineers’ strike, during which the local authorities had to ask for military protection because of the workers’ hot tempers and window smashing escapades is re-called by this photograph.
It shows the encampment of the 13th Hussars in the Spa Road recreation ground in the late 19th century.
Almost 2,000 workers were affected by the local strike which lasted 24 weeks between May and October 1887 and which arose over a a dispute about overtime and a two shilling reduction in wages.
There was strong opposition to an attempt to import workers.
Factory windows were smashed and rioting caused serious damage to works’ property.
Two hundred police were brought in from outside areas and later 130 men of the 13th Hussars were sent from Hulme Cavalry Barracks to help sort out the problems.
If you look closely at the picture you can see it is Spa Road but it does look very different today.
Perhaps the biggest difference is the number of mill chimneys seen in the background.
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