What was life actually like working in Victorian Manchester's cotton mills? We discuss how young couples might tie the knot in mass 'penny weddings', often with disastrous results. We'll talk about the immense pride working families took in their homes – and how 'donkey stones' were an essential part of the weekly cleaning ritual. We'll also delve into the precarious conditions of factory life – and the impossible choices that women faced of going without work or leaving newborn infants in the care of nurses all too eager to pacify them with 'Mother's Blessing'. Special thanks: Manchester BIPC Image: Lancashire Creative Our podcast music was provided by The Podcast Host and Alitu: The Podcast Maker app.