Historian looks to inspire future generations at Quarry Bank

Hannah Barker

A historian is hoping to inspire new ways of telling the stories of people who lived and worked at Quarry Bank.

Hannah Barker, Professor of British History at the University of Manchester, is working with the National Trust as part of a massive project that will see new threads of the former cotton mill's story unpicked and interpreted for visitors.

"I am starting by looking at how we present the Apprentice House to visitors and will then be looking at the new buildings that will be opening including the worker's cottage, shop and the Greg's House," said Hannah, whose expertise is the Industrial Revolution.

One idea Hannah is investigating is telling more of the apprentices' stories – possibly through an exploration of their humble possessions.

It is known the children who worked at Quarry Bank Mill sometimes used their wages to buy clothes and one archive document shows a boy bought a watch.

They kept their items in boxes under their beds and Hannah believes showing off the apprentices' 'material culture' will be of interest to the thousands of children who visit Quarry Bank every year.

"I think it will give them a greater understanding of how lucky they are today," she said.

As well as objects Hannah is exploring the possibility of recreating the sounds of the Apprentice House, which would have had dozens of children living in it at any one time.

Hannah, a former member of the North West committee of the Heritage Lottery Fund, is chair of Manchester Histories – a charity based at the University of Manchester which works to involve everyone in learning about history.

Her research has included issues of gender and work in towns and the impact of industrialisation on women's employment.

Eleanor Underhill, General Manager at Quarry Bank, said: "We are lucky to be working with someone of Hannah's expertise and excited about what she can bring to the Quarry Bank project.

"People are already flocking to Quarry Bank in greater numbers than ever before and the incredible plans we have for the next few years are sure to inspire even and educate our visitors even more."

Click here to make a donation to the Quarry Bank project.

Photo: Hannah Barker.

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Quarry Bank Mill
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