Washing and Winding

Image: River Stour, Kidderminster. Remains of brackets for a platform which was used by dyehousemen to wash wool looking towards Green Street, Kidderminster.

Image from: Bewdley Museum (photograph by F Johnson, 1979)

Weavers were completely responsible for the whole weaving process from bobbin to completed carpet, with the help of their half-weaver apprentices and draw-boys or girls. The completed carpet was always delivered to the factory counting house on set days of the week, known as Fall Days, which were usually Thursdays and Saturdays. The weavers, who were paid by the yard, were always males who had served their apprenticeships and often fiercely independent. In turn they were responsible for paying the workers under them and their own fuel and lighting. Although the factory owners usually owned the actual looms, it seems that the weavers did not have to pay any rental for these.