Archive Photographs

Photographs are a valuable non-textual resource for the study of history. These archive photographs can be viewed on screen by clicking on the image for a larger version.

Some suggested activities:

Before the visit, look at the photographs with the class and ask them to suggest what may be the same and what they expect to be different when they make their visit to the mill. Things to look for include lighting, clothes and power sources.

Give small groups a photograph to investigate during their visit. Their task is to find the location of the photograph and look for change and continuity since the photograph was taken. This could be noted on a simple grid with the adult helper acting as scribe for younger children. A modern photograph could be taken on the visit to jog memories back in the classroom.

Guess the date of the photograph - this is difficult, but there are some clues. If pupils have knowledge of costume styles, they may be able to work out if the clothing is Victorian or later. There are other clues in the pictures like gas lighting, which will tell them that the photographs aren't recent.

Focus on people - What do the photographs tell us about the people who worked in the mill? How old are they? Do they look like weavers or office staff or managers? How many people worked in the mill? Do they seem to be enjoying their jobs?