The Triumph Of General Ludd

Album: English Rebel Songs (1850)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Although he is also known as Captain Ludd or even King Ludd, Ned Ludd was neither a military man nor a monarch. In 1779, the humble weaver from the village of Anstey near Leicester was said to have been whipped for idleness - they did things differently in those days.

    In revenge or a fit of pique, he broke two stocking frames; a stocking frame was an early mechanical knitting machine. His name was subsequently purloined by the frame breakers known as the Luddites, who arose in 1811. The movement peaked the following year with the murder on April 27 of factory owner William Horsfall at Huddersfield.

    As in the song, General Ludd was transformed into a mythical character living in Sherwood Forest like Robin Hood. Fortunately, the Luddite ideology didn't triumph, or all human progress would have ceased.
  • Chumbawamba did a modern update on this traditional song in 1998 for their collection of protest songs, English Rebel Songs 1381-1984. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Magpie V"...or all human progress would have ceased." Lol, laughably bad faith interpretation of the luddites.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.