Posted By Swis Alexander Redgrave, the Chief Inspector of Factories wrote in his annual report: "I doubt very much whether the office of factory inspector is one suitable for women... The general and multifarious duties of an inspector of factories would really be incompatible with the gentle and home-loving character of a woman..." This was in 1879. Time has changed since.

Posted By Ian Blenkharn That could be said of many men too - I'm certain Clare would agree

Posted By Ron Hunter I recommend "Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories, 1833-1983: Essays to Commemorate 150 Years of Health and Safety Inspection" for a contemporaneous and entirely opposite view. Women Inspectors were those most feared by Mill owners, and did a thorough job! Your chap Redgrave was wrong - the facts proved otherwise. Nothing to be bitter about either, other than a fear of women entering into any previously male-dominated occupation. Why do you headline this as "bitter fact"?

Posted By Swis The Factory Inspectorate was formed in 1833 and it only employed male inspectors for the first 60 years. After several years of campaigning by the Women Activists, first lady inspector was appointed in 1893. Again…It was not a ‘shocking’ attitude at the time but definitely seems a bitter fact when compared to modern times.

Posted By Hossam his statement reflected a reasonable point of view at the time I guess.. 1870's!!.. the very harsh factories environment was not woman gentleness friendly I believe

Posted By Phil Rose Clare, you are staying remarkably quiet! I reckon Clare could tell you that there are still some pretty 'grim' industrial undertakings out there. I have been to a few that are like going back to the dark ages. I think that the HSE History was a recent link off the HSE website.