Plug Plot Disturbances 001

The plug drawing disturbances of 1842 were a spontaneous uprising in a desperate attempt by working people in the Midlands and North to oppose wage cuts. The ‘plot’ mentioned on the plaque was actually a clay plug plot used to seal the steam-generating boilers. Smashing the clay plugs rendered the boilers inoperable. Despite the ‘Great’ Reform Act of 1832, at least 4 out of 5 men (and no women) still could not vote in elections to a Parliament indifferent to their plight.