麻豆社

Durward Road is probably best known for the discovery of Jack the Ripper鈥檚 first victim in 1888 but during World War One the road was home to the Schneiders Garment Factory which made clothes and caps for the military.

The clothing industry was a fundamental part of East End life. Schneiders was one of hundreds of Jewish-owned companies in the area.

Jane Cox was an East End resident who worked at the factory, making khaki caps. Life was not easy for her or any worker at factories such as Schneiders. Staff worked long hours in poor conditions. Diseases such as consumption were common as a result of cramped factories that were poorly ventilated. Workers were also forced to buy their own cotton to be used in their work leading to industrial disputes.

At one point Cox suffered blood poisoning but taking time off for any type of ailment was rarely an option. Time off meant workers would find their pay docked.

Location: Durward Street, London E1
Image: Workers at Schneiders Factory, courtesy of the Museum of London

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