MATCHES

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Bryant & May

In 1839 William Bryant and Francis May established themselves as general merchants. Four years later the pair started importing Swedish matches. In 1855 they paid 100 for Johan Lundstrom's patent for the safety-match. Six years later Bryant & May opened its Bow factory.

In 1888 the Bryant & May strike took place. The women match makers staged their action for over a fortnight in order to pursue their claim for higher wages. Their demand was not met, however, the strikers did manage to obtain an end to the system of the company imposing fines for rule infractions - this was an important development of British trade unionism.

The rise of disposable lighters and the development of gas fire automatic ignition devices led to a decline in match sales.

In 1971 the factory in Bow closed.

Location: 60 Fairfield Road, Bow, E3 2UB. In 2009 the factory had become part of Bow Quarter, gated community.

Website: www.bryantandmay.co.uk https://thebowquarter.com

David Backhouse 2024