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RIBBON WEAVING
In 1821 there were 5,000 ribbon weavers in Coventry out of a population of 21,000. By 1841 there were 30,000 weavers in Coventry working on 3,500 plain and 2228 Jacquard looms. This influx of weavers caused major housing problems because of the restrictions caused by the wall that surrounded the city and because the weavers, who were freemen, had no rights over the ring of common land surrounding the city walls.
The area of Hillfields was created as a settlement outside of the city walls. This occurred in 1828 and Hillfields became the area for the most skilled
craftsmen that Coventry had. Many factories were set up to manufacture
ribbon on a more commercial basis, but there were dissenting voices amongst the craftsmen. Indeed the first factory built to manufacture ribbon was burnt to the ground by the weavers. In the late 1850's peace was achieved and predominant
amongst the peacemakers were the Cash brothers. Cash's labels continues to this day carrying out the same sort of ribbon and label making that it always has.
By 1860 the industry had collapsed because of cheap imports. Many of the weavers emigrated to the colonies. J.J Cash still exists in Coventry.
Attached below are examples of Jacquard Loom woven ribbons from the
Cash factory. These decorative ribbons were woven to celebrate the
consecration of the new cathedral in 1962.
Ribbon weaving. Oakley and Cox, Queen Street.
Weavers Cottages at the junction of Freehold Street with Harnall Lane East. The Freemasons Tavern (Public House)
BELOW ARE SEVERAL OLD PHOTO'S OF WEAVERS HOUSES.THE BUSINESS TOOK PLACE ON THE TOP FLOOR KNOWN AS 'TOP SHOPS'
