Richard Oastler blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Richard Oastler 'The Factory King' was born in St Peter's Square. His 1830 letter to the Leeds Mercury about 'Yorkshire Slavery' began the campaign to reduce the working day of factory children to ten hours. The Ten Hours Act of 1847 owed much to his persuasive writing and compelling oratory. 1789 - 1861 Recorded plaque organisation: Leeds Civic Trust.

Richard Oastler, known as 'The Factory King,' was a key figure in the campaign for factory reform, advocating for reduced working hours for children; his influential 1830 letter and persistent efforts contributed significantly to the passage of the Ten Hours Act in 1847.