Foster's Mill

Album: various (1815)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Foster's Mill," also spelled "Fosters' Mill" and "Foster's Mill," is one of the songs discussed in Roy Palmer's monograph Poverty Knock a picture of industrial life in the 19th century through songs, ballads and contemporary accounts.

    Written in 2/4 time, this is another song inspired by the Luddite movement, and is a celebration of one of their outrages. The mill near Wakefield was owned by Mr. Foster, and on April 9, 1812, it was stormed by an armed crowd of around three hundred who smashed up the machinery and attempted to set the building on fire.

    The composer(s) of the song is unknown, and whoever wrote it probably didn't want his name attached to it in view of the fate suffered by some Luddites - which included hanging.

    A 21st century recording was made by Jim Potter at Barnsley, a town better known for a certain heavy metal band than for this type of folk music. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Kristian Bush of SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Kristian talks songwriting technique, like how the chorus should redefine the story, and how to write a song backwards.

John Parr

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.