The Real Mill with Tony Robinson

47min

Documentary

In this series Tony Robinson explores the true story of the factory workers whose blood, sweat and toil forged the Industrial Revolution. He finds out how they rose up to launch a wave of social change that laid the foundation for the country we know today. His investigation focuses on Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire – the inspiration for Channel 4s drama series The Mill. Quarry Banks buildings and machinery are remarkably well preserved and its original records from the 19th century are almost entirely intact. Together, these unique resources reveal the stories of the men, women and children who toiled in the mill.

Episodes

Cast

Beginning

1. Beginning

47min

24th Aug 2014

Tony and social historian Professor Emma Griffin discover who the Quarry Bank mill workers were and where they came from.

Conclusion

2. Conclusion

47min

31st Aug 2014

Tony Robinson and Professor Emma Griffin discover how, as industrialisation transformed Britain, workers across the country joined together to fight for their rights.

First air date

24th Aug 2014

Last air date

31st Aug 2014

Status

Returning Series

Type

Scripted

Original language

en

Networks