Lights in Darkest England, match box lid; c.1891

This lid is from a box of matches made at the Salvation Army match factory. The printed label applied to the embossed card has the title 'Lights in Darkest England'. The label also includes the crest of the Salvation Army and, around the border, 'Manufactured by the Salvation Army, Fair Wages for Fair Work Security from Fire.' The Salvation Army match factory that opened in 1891 was airy, well ventilated and well lit. Tea making facilities were available and the 100 workers received better wages than those in other factories. 'Lights in Darkest England' matches were made using harmless red phospherous This meant the workers were not at risk of developing 'phossy jaw' a facial deformity common amongst match girls who worked with white or yellow phosphorus. The factory closed in 1901.