De-Industrialisation Manufacturing Pasts Project, University of Leicester

The British manufacturing industry imploded between the 1930s and the 1980s. Factory chimneys and mines all but disappeared from the landscape, leaving a legacy of persistent regional unemployment and scarred communities. The world's first industrial nation had effectively 'de-industrialised.' In this seminar, Simon Gunn from the Centre of Urban History considers how we might approach researching an area of recent history that is still highly politicised and emotive. He asks questions about de-industrialisation, nostalgia, and the long-term legacies of Britain's industrial past.

In the late twentieth century, many British cities underwent huge changes in the manufacturing sector. Dr Rebecca Madgin gives an overview of this topic, de-industrialisation, especially as typified by the Frog Island area of Leicester.

Barbara and Tony Taylor describe changes in management and practice at Corah factory, to meet the changing needs of industry.

This resource comprises 35 photographs depicting various buildings in the Frog Island area in 2012. Frog Island was home to many prominent factories. After the decline of the manufacturing sector in the second half of the 20th century, Frog Island has been in the process of re-inventing itself.

This resource comprises 16 images of Frog Island, Leicester, taken by Colin Hyde in 2002. It includes the Frisby Jarvis Building, Donisthorpe Mill, Farben Works, and Slater Street School. Frog Island was home to many prominent factories. After the decline of the manufacturing sector in the second half of the 20th century, Frog Island has been in the process of re-inventing itself.

Tony and Barbara Taylor and Colin Hyde talk about life at the Corah factory. They discuss the impact of Japanese machinery, the high standard of engineering and how workers had to adapt to new machinery. They also comment on working relationships and job stress due to fear of redundancy.