Richard Oastler

Richard Oastler (1789-1861) was known as the "factory king" for his work on factory reform.

Born in Leeds, he became steward of the Fixby estates in Huddersfield in 1820. He campaigned against slavery and the employment of children in factories. The Ten-Hours Act of 1847, restricting the factory working day to 10 hours, was largely due to his efforts.

His employer became concerned about his activities, and he was sacked following his resistance to the new Poor Law. He then fell into debt and was imprisoned from 1840-4 as a debtor in the Fleet Prison. During this time he published the Fleet Papers.