49 minSeason 2 • Episode 6
LatestThe second series reaches its climax. There's a violent confrontation between the striking workers and the special constables, while Peter is desperate to find out the truth about Dominica.
Powerful historical drama series, based on the lives of real people, telling the story of young 19th-century apprentices taking their lives into their own hands for the first time.
Acting
Kerrie Hayes carries raw desperation beautifully.
Production
Authentic mill conditions, zero romanticizing.
Creator
John Fay
Kerrie Hayes
Esther
Matthew McNulty
Daniel Bate
Holly Lucas
Susannah Catterall
Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù
Peter
Katherine Rose Morley
Lucy
Ciarán Griffiths
Matthew Boon
Mark Frost
John Howlett
Sacha Parkinson
Miriam Catterall
Laura Main
Rebecca Howlett
Barbara Marten
Hannah Greg
Aidan McArdle
John Doherty
Andrew-Lee Potts
William Gregg
Morgan Watkins
George Windell
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on real Quarry Bank Mill archives; Esther's character composites several documented child workers. The show sparked debate about sanitizing history for prestige TV.
The mill's working machinery was restored specifically for filming — actors performed actual dangerous tasks with safety consultants present, no CGI.
GB
