Series 2

Season 2 · 2014 · 6 episodes

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.

1A Good MechanicFour years on from the Poor Law Amendment Act, impoverished economic migrants from the south of England start to arrive at Quarry Bank Mill.
2Episode 2Esther 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.
3Episode 3The Chartist rally at Kersal Moor is approaching and Daniel does his best to gather the workers despite a lacklustre response.
4Surprise VisitorAfter 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.
5Episode 5With 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?
6Episode 6The 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.

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