Target age range: Key Stage 3

This enquiry explores the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the lives of people in the Somerset town of Chard during the mid-nineteenth century. The overarching question, ‘Why was there so much unrest in 1840s Chard?’, roots the enquiry in the events of the Chard Lace Riots in the year 1842. The intention of the study is to reveal to students the rich window of original source material that surrounds the period. Lessons are designed for Key Stage 3 students and illustrate how a local study from the mid-nineteenth century can enrich any curricular programme. The material may seem at times challenging for a Year 7 group, and teachers could well feel that the type of documents encountered would fit better with Year 8 or Year 9.

This resource was written by Stuart Roper, a history teacher at Holyrood Academy in Chard, Somerset.

Particular thanks to South West Heritage Trust and The National Archives for their permission to reproduce images and sources in this resource.

Every effort has been made to trace all image copyright holders for these resources, although occasionally it has not been possible. Please contact Maheema Chanrai at maheema.chanrai@history.org.uk with any queries regarding image use or copyright.