2 - A Day in David's Life

David’s childhood was very different from yours or mine. He worked as a piecer in the Blantyre Cotton Works, which meant long hours and dangerous work. This is because his parents were poor and needed him to earn money.

In those days, there were fewer laws to protect the rights of children and it was legal to send children to work full time. David used to work a full day at the factory and then go to school in the evening because his education was very important to him.

How much time do you have to yourself at the end of a day at school?

What do you do with that time?

How much time do you think David had, once he was finished with work and school?

Download the activity sheet to find out more.


We are very grateful to our key funders the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government for their support in helping us deliver the Birthplace Project.

National Lottery Heritage Fund
Scottish Government
Historic Environment Scotland
Note: Please note that David Livingstone Birthplace (and the David Livingstone Trust) is no longer part of National Trust Scotland (NTS). NTS members will therefore no longer receive discounted/free entry to the Birthplace Museum.

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