Portlaw, County Waterford, 1825-76: Portrait of an Industrial Village and Its Cotton Industry

The village of Portlaw, County Waterford, was witness to the growth of the cotton industy from 1825-76. Established by David Malcomson, the cotton mill developed under the management of his two sons to encompass 1648 employees in 1856. This book concentrates on three aspects of the development of the Portlaw. The initial development and redesign of the purpose built village in the 1860s is examined. The social structure developed to cater for the needs and welfare of the workers is analyzed. The performance of the Portlaw cotton industry is also investigated, focusing upon the manufacturing process, the structure and variations in the labour force, market opportunities as well as the adjustments needed to overcome the problems created by the American Civil War.