Emma Griffin

Emma Griffin, a Professor of Modern British History at the University of East Anglia, shares her expertise on the Industrial Revolution. They delve into whether this pivotal era truly improved lives, exploring Britain's unique role as the first to industrialize. The conversation highlights the grim realities faced by urban workers and the environmental implications of rapid industrialization. Griffin also discusses the crucial support systems for innovation and the evolving roles of women and children during this transformative period.

This discussion features Stephen King, an expert in economic and social history, Emma Griffin, a specialist in modern British history, and Samantha Shave, a lecturer in social policy. They delve into the grim realities faced by the poor under the 1834 Poor Laws, highlighting the harsh workhouse conditions and family separations. The guest speakers critique the inadequacies of this system, examine public perceptions of poverty, and reveal how the poor actively resisted these punitive measures through petitions and protests.

Emma Griffin, a historian and president of the Royal Historical Society, dives into Britain’s Industrial Revolution, addressing listener questions. She highlights how this era marked a shift from land-based to machine-driven production. Griffin discusses the pivotal role of coal and capital, along with the societal impacts on workers, especially children. She examines the changes in family dynamics and working conditions, revealing both the grim realities and unexpected opportunities, emphasizing the balance of winners and losers in this transformative period.

Joan Allen, a history fellow with expertise in the Chartist movement, Emma Griffin, a modern British history professor, and Robert Saunders, a reader in modern history, delve into the rich tapestry of Chartism. They discuss the monumental 1838 Glasgow demonstration and the People's Charter’s calls for reform. Insight into the social fabric shows how the movement unified a disparate working class while facing government repression. The guests highlight the crucial roles women played in activism and how Chartism's legacy paved the way for future reforms.

Emma Griffin, a professor of Modern British History, and Sarah Wise, an expert in Victorian social history, join Lawrence Goldman, an Emeritus Fellow at Oxford, to discuss Charles Booth's monumental survey of London life and labor. They delve into Booth's shocking revelation that a third of Londoners lived in poverty, reflecting on his innovative mapping techniques to visualize wealth distribution. The conversation highlights Booth's influence on social reforms, advocating for pensions and welfare, while exploring the dynamic urban landscape of late 19th-century London.