Reminiscences in the life of Joshua Bradley part 2

Joshua Bradley work origins.



Joshua Bradley learned his trade in the small premises that were at the rear of the Farm House where he lived on Pudding Lane. This was run by Joseph Walker who kept the business going after his Brother Daniel had left to run the day school near Newton Bank Print Works. All work was done by hand - The machinery consisted of a small spinning jenny and a few frames which were used for winding the manufactured thread into bobbins and balls which were then ready for sale.
Joshua started his learning as a pin winder and ball maker at the early age of seven years old. He started working the first week for no wages but was so quick at mastering the work that before weekend had arrived his name was placed on the wages sheet. His first wage was fourpence which ,whilst was a small amount , filled him with pride as he took it home to his mother.



After six months Joshua moved on from the Pudding Lane Manufacturers to the Ashton Brothers Cotton Mill in Newton. This required him to walk three miles each way per day which was no mean feat for a child of eight years old.
There were no restrictions in those days regulating the hours of Cotton Mills so Joshua would commence work at 5:30am and finish at 8pm. After mastering his new job his mother decided that he should take lodgings in Newton so he would be nearer to his work. His wages were now 4s 6d per week.