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Recruiting London dock labourers
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Recruiting London dock labourers
Recruiting London dock labourers.
1887
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23065008
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1887 Boss Casual Dock Docks Engaging Labour Labourer Labourers Manual Recruiting
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the scene of recruiting London dock labourers in the late 1880s. The image, taken in the East End of London in 1887, depicts a group of men gathered around a man in a flat cap, who is likely the foreman or recruiter. The men, dressed in their work clothes, appear engaged and attentive as they listen to the recruiter's instructions. The docklands were a hive of activity during this period, with a constant demand for laborers to load and unload ships. The casual labor system was common in the docklands, with men lining up every day to be hired for the day's work. The recruiter would select the strongest and most able-bodied men for the most demanding jobs, while the less able-bodied or older men would be given less strenuous tasks. The system was notoriously exploitative, with low wages and long hours, but it provided a livelihood for many families in the area. The image offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of manual labor in the late Victorian era. The men in the photograph appear focused and determined, perhaps hoping to secure a day's work and provide for their families. The recruiter, with his authoritative stance and stern expression, embodies the power dynamics of the labor market during this period. The image also serves as a reminder of the important role that dock laborers played in the economic life of London and the broader industrial economy of the late 19th century.
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