Matchstick Girls' Strike

Matchstick Girls' Strike

From Museum of Femininity by Charlotte Appleyard

March 16, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

This episode explores the history of the Matchstick Girls' strike in 1888, highlighting the struggles of women workers at the Bryant & May factory.

Reposted episode In this episode we explore the history of the Matchstick Girls' strike in 1888, which saw 1400 women walk out of the Bryant & May factory, in protest against their treatment. This included poor pay, a highly unreasonable fining system which penalised women for taking breaks, and the lack of support around preventing and supporting women who were inflicted with the deadly disease 'Phossy jaw' which was caused by inhaling toxic particles in the factory. We hope to shine a ...

People in this episode

Host: Charlotte Appleyard

Topics covered

  • labor history
  • women's rights
  • industrial action
  • 19th century
  • health and safety
  • social justice

Keywords

  • Matchstick Girls
  • strike
  • labor rights
  • Bryant & May
  • Phossy jaw
  • 1888
  • women's labor
  • industrial action

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bryant & May

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