Series 2

6 episodes · 20th July 2014

The second series focusses on the lives of the Quarry Bank mill workers between 1838 and 1842, a period of turbulent social, political and industrial change.

Episodes

Episode 1

A Good Mechanic

Four years on from the Poor Law Amendment Act, impoverished economic migrants from the south of England start to arrive at Quarry Bank Mill.

Episode 2

Esther comes of age and leaves the apprentice house, but not before signing her contract of employment. Esther's new home is a small, dirty cellar in Styal village, but it gives her new freedom.

Episode 3

The Chartist rally at Kersal Moor is approaching and Daniel does his best to gather the workers despite a lacklustre response.

Episode 4

Surprise Visitor

After a difficult labour, Esther finally gives birth to a healthy baby boy. She returns to work the next day but struggles to keep up. John Howlett and his wife Rebecca receive tragic news.

Episode 5

With the country in recession, William Greg is forced to slash his workers' wages. Daniel urges his colleagues to withdraw their labour, but can they afford to go unpaid during a strike?

Episode 6

The second series reaches its climax. There's a violent confrontation between the striking workers and the special constables, while Peter is desperate to find out the truth about Dominica.