William Broadhead
British trade unionist (1815–1879)
William Broadhead was a British trade unionist and saw grinder, and instrumental in the Sheffield Outrages.
Early life
Born in Whirlow, Sheffield on 2 October 1815, Broadhead worked as a saw grinder with his father from childhood.
Career
Broadhead became the landlord of a public house called The Bridge in Owlerton. He used his income from this business to support saw grinders who found themselves in difficulties, and as a result, was elected General Secretary of the Saw Grinders Union in 1848. Under his leadership, the union grew in power, raising money for its members, and disrupting the work of non-union members.
This disruption took several forms, including damaging equipment, sending threatening letters, and even bombings and shootings. Broadhead avoided personal involvement in this intimidation, and was able to occupy a prominent position in trade union politics. He was elected to an office in the first Sheffield Association of Organised Trades in 1858, then became its Treasurer in 1859, before being made Treasurer of the United Kingdom Alliance of Organised Trades in 1866.
Sheffield Outrages
The union's actions against unorganised labour came to national attention, and became known as the Sheffield Outrages. Broadhead denied all knowledge, and offered a reward for information.
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