Biercliffe, Burnley: Harle Syke Strike

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Lancashire's industry continued during the war - and the war also didn't put an end to industrial disputes. In August 1915, there was a strike over pay at some of the mills in the Harle Syke area of Burnley. Not all the mills were affected. Some of them - including Queen Street Mill, which is now a working museum, had many workers who were also shareholders in the business. So, they carried on working. There was often hostility between those on strike and those who remained at work; with those who stayed at work being labelled as "knobsticks." The strike was over towards the end of the year. In December 1915 a war bonus was introduced, which was paid to workers as a form of pay rise. Just before the end of the war there was a big fire at Queen Street Mill. When it was brought back into use, the engine was re-named "Peace" in recognition of the soldiers who had fallen. That engine is still working today as the centrepiece of the museum. Location: Biercliffe, Burnley, Lancashire BB10 2HX Image: ‘Peace’ engine