“She’s 19 and her hands are covered in burn scars. Mary is a chain maker in Cradley Heath. Hammers red-hot iron into chains by hand. Works at forge in her family’s backyard. Heat unbearable. Heats iron rods until they glow orange, pulls them out, hammers into links while still burning hot. Sparks fly constantly. Hit her hands, arms, face. Each spark leaves scar. After 3 years, hands covered in burns—old white scars, fresh red scars. Hammers 12 hours daily. Arms ache constantly. Repetitive motion damages joints. She’s 19—hands look 50. Earns 5 shillings per week. Starvation wages. Lowest-paid industrial workers in Britain. Barely affords bread. She’ll work 40 years. Hands will never heal. Scars multiply. When women hammered burning iron and earned less than servants. Drop a ⛓️ for Mary and the chain makers.” #CradleyHeath #ChainMakers #VictorianWomen #MinimumWage #LaborHistory