3-011-602 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Cotton Famine: distributing coal at the Castle-field old coal-wharf, Manchester, 1862. Charity for unemployed Lancashire textiles workers. 'Those who read my report on Manchester last week will remember that I stated that every recipient of relief was, without further application, entitled to a grant of coals, varying in quantity with the family. A large fund is put aside and appropriated by a sub-committee, acting under the Provident Society, for the supply of fuel. The distribution commenced a few weeks ago, and has begun to show its effects upon the people, who flock on their particular days with all sorts of contrivances to carry away their supply of carbon. A considerable quantity of this coal has been given by the proprietors of our large collieries. May they enjoy the warmth of their own firesides this winter!'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.