Crowley's Crew

Sir Ambrose Crowley lll (1658 - 1713) came from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, from a family and an area steeped ironmongery, particularly making nails. When he decided to open a facility at Winlaton up in the north east of England, others in the trade probably thought him crazy but he had a vision. High grade iron from Sweden, ease of transport of finished goods by ship down the North Sea to London - he knew the economics made very good business sense. And so 'The Factory' began and quickly he extended to nearby Winlaton Mill and Swalwell and making a whole range of forged iron goods (for example chains, anchors, harpoons and many smaller items). Within years it was said to be the biggest co-ordinated industrial facility in Europe and his paternalistic employment methods were ground-breaking. His workers had steady wages, social benefits including education facilities and payments for sickness, injury and pensions. There were very long working hours and it was very hard work but there was security. It was said to be the first example of a modern industrial working class society. The men were known as 'Crowley's Crew'. In the mid 1800s the Crowley connection ended and the business fragmented into smaller firms still carrying out smithy type work. The final closure of chain maker Nixon & Whitfield was in December 1966. So ended 276 years of smithy activity in the village of Winlaton on Tyneside.
This is my own song and one of several I recorded during the covid lockdowns to keep myself occupied. It's just an informal home recording using my mobile phone.

[@CCJazzmen]

Something again new to me and a interesting history, just such a great idea to set this to original songs and certainly not wasted time. Excellent.

[@BlaydonAces]

Thanks very much and for commenting.

[@Trombonology]

In addition to being a very talented musician and songwriter, you're a very knowledgeable historian! Besides enjoying the music, I always learn something.

[@BlaydonAces]

Thanks very much. Funny thing, I had no interest in history at school and I suppose in working life you have other things to occupy your mind - job, family, etc. But then, as you get older, you realise to some extent what has gone before is important and begin to take interest. I'm no expert but I realised there is quite a fascinating history just in this locality (coal, keelmen, Crowley, Joe Cowen, Blaydon Races) so I tried to find out more. I go to the local history society meetings and have a few books. Then I had the idea of putting some of the stories to music. Never done anything like that before but I've found it a nice fulfilling and creative activity. I appreciate you taking an interest.