Ben o' Bill's, the Luddite: A Yorkshire Tale

Set against the rolling hills of the Colne Valley, the novel follows Ben, a sturdy Yorkshire farmer whose world is upended when steam‑driven looms begin to dominate the local wool trade. Through Ben’s eyes we hear the clang of machines, the whispered fears of families, and the fierce determination of men who feel forced to defend their livelihoods. The narrative captures the everyday chatter of the valley, its dialect and humor, while painting a vivid picture of a community on the brink of change.

The story is anchored in the real‑life trials of 1812, when dozens of Luddite participants faced execution, exile, or pardon. As Ben navigates the tension between the mill owners’ relentless progress and the workers’ desperate plea for justice, the novel offers a grounded look at the human cost of industrialisation. It is as much a social portrait of Yorkshire life as it is a gripping tale of resistance and hope.