15/05/2025
On the 8th May 1857 11-year-old Michael Davitt went to work as usual at the Alliance Mill, Baxenden. Later that day his life would change dramatically when he was asked to carry out a task on a machine normally done by a much older worker. In order to do as requested Davitt still a child had to overreach over the machine he was working on As a result lost his balance and becoming entangled in the rollers of the same machine. His mangled right arm was so badly it had to be amputated 10 days later.
While a child of this age would not now be legally put to work on such a machine in this part of the world it must be remembered there are places where child labour is still sadly part of life part of life. In 1857 Michael Davitt received no compensation or even assistance from his employer John Stelfox.
However Michael Davitt's life was to change for the better. Instead of seeking some other form of employment once he had recovered, Michael was able to pursue a second and more advanced period of schooling at the Wesleyan Methodist Day School thanks to the generosity of a local benefactor, John Dean.
Davitt remained at this school for the next four years. His school master George Poskett, formed a very high opinion of Davitt’s aptitude as a scholar. Likewise, Davitt held his teacher in high regard and remained on friendly terms with many of his schooldays acquaintances for the rest of his life.
( Photo of Vivian Cotton Mills Boy is by Lewis Hine 1874-1940)
Jackie Clarke Collection Mayo County Library Westport Historical Society The Heritage Council The Mayo News Fáilte Ireland Mayo North Tourism, Ireland ATU Mayo Wild Atlantic Way
