Byron Speaks Up for the Luddites

Lord Byron gave his maiden speech in the House of Lords in 1812 during a debate on the Frame Work Bill. His impassioned defence of the working class labourers who had been protesting against their employers work practices - reprinted here - helped result in the Bill being watered down so that those who damaged machinery could not be hanged for their crime. In the 'Ode to the Framers of the Frame Bill', published anonymously in 1812, we have a foretaste of the biting satire that would reach perfection in Don Juan. 'Song for the Luddites' was written in 1816, and suggests that Byron was never averse to the idea of direct political action, overthrowing corrupt regimes by any means necessary.