There were few churches and chapels, though the Methodists often did something to prevent the people from falling back into heathendom.

The workmen were ignorant, brutal, poor and oppressed.

There were no schools and plenty of public houses.

In hard times distress was widespread, and the workmen naturally listened to agitators and fanatics, or took to violent means of avenging their wrongs, for they had no constitutional means of redress.

Even the masters had no votes, as the new towns sent no members to Parliament.