This rare photo shows a time when industrial relations in East Lancashire hit an all-time low.

Lancashire Telegraph: Lancashire cotton strike, 1932

It shows mill workers walking out in the summer of 1932 in protest over pay and conditions. Mill owners wanted workers to operate more looms without additional pay leading to a strike involving over 150,000 workers.

We don’t have any details about this photo other that it was taken in August of that year. Perhaps an eagle-eyed Looking Back reader will be able to recognise the mill. It certainly had an impressive set of gates with a distinctive clock near the entrance.

Although the workers caused major disruption, their collective action did not last and within a few weeks the looms were running once more. If you recognise the mill, email bygones@nqnw.co.uk or let us know in a comment.