The Match Girls' Strike
This former Bryant & May matchworks in Bow was once the largest factory in London, employing almost 5,000 people in the late 19th century - most of whom were women or girls. Conditions in the factory were poor, with many workers suffering poisoning and disfigurement from the white phosphorus used in matches.
This ultimately drove the workers to strike in 1888, a landmark incident which became known as the match girls' strike. As a result of the strike the company did improve workers' conditions and it eventually changed its manufacturing process to use the less toxic red phosphorus.
The Match Girls' Strike
This former Bryant & May matchworks in Bow was once the largest factory in London, employing almost 5,000 people in the late 19th century - most of whom were women or girls. Conditions in the factory were poor, with many workers suffering poisoning and disfigurement from the white phosphorus used in matches.
This ultimately drove the workers to strike in 1888, a landmark incident which became known as the match girls' strike. As a result of the strike the company did improve workers' conditions and it eventually changed its manufacturing process to use the less toxic red phosphorus.