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The Cotton Famine: school for mill operatives at Mr. Stirling's mill, Lower Mosley-street, Manchester, 1862. Literacy classes for unemployed Lancashire textiles workers. 'While speaking of Hulme, I must mention the institute for men, supported by the Township Relief Committee. An old mill with three floors has been lent for the purpose, where about 400 men are congregated to read and write from nine to six o'clock five days a week, under proper teachers. Two meals a day are provided for them on the foundation floor, while on the two others, supplied with tables and educational requisites, they polish their wits, and chat and smoke in leisure hours. The windows are festooned with coloured calico, the whole building is warmed and lighted, musical instruments are lent by gentlemen, lectures are delivered every evening, and one evening a week is given to music, songs, recitations, and drollery. These men are all in the receipt of relief...Their docility and respect is very touching. The old hard, insolent manner seems to be quite softened down. Their teachers are looked upon with great affection'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862. The Cotton Famine: school for mill operatives at Mr. Stirling's mill...Manchester, 1862. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/THE PRINT COLLECTOR)