The Domestic System of Production: A Precursor to Factories

Before factories, textile production was a primarily domestic affair, conducted on a small scale within individual homes.

Early Observations

Daniel Defoe, renowned author of "Robinson Crusoe," documented his travels through Yorkshire around 1720. He observed small cottages engaged in small-scale production, with each family functioning as an independent unit. Defoe noted regional variations, such as in Norfolk, where spinning and weaving were carried out in separate locations.

The Wool Production Process

The process of turning wool into clothing involved several steps:

1. Cleaning: Freshly sheared wool was thoroughly cleaned.
2. Carding: Wool fibers were brushed and aligned using tools like cards and combs.
3. Spinning: Primarily done by young, unmarried women (hence the term "spinster"), this step involved twisting fibers into yarn.
4. Weaving: Skilled weavers used handlooms to transform yarn into fabric.
5. Sale: The finished cloth was sold to a clothier.

Each stage likely occurred in separate cottages, with spinning considered women's work and weaving designated for men.

Advantages of the Domestic System

The domestic system offered several benefits:

• Flexibility: Workers set their own pace and schedules.
• Childcare: With women typically working at home, childcare was more readily available.
• Improved Working Conditions: Workers enjoyed fresh air, rest breaks, and meals as needed.
• Pride in Work: The self-employed nature of the system fostered a sense of ownership and pride.
• Reduced Workplace Tension: Families working together minimized workplace conflicts.
• Quality: The finest home-produced goods were often of exceptional quality.

While the domestic system had its advantages, it eventually paved the way for the factory system and the Industrial Revolution.