There is an old legend of Anstey about a man called Ned Ludd. It goes something like this:

By the end of the 18th Century Leicestershire had become the acknowledged home and centre of textile and trade. New machines were invented which increased the speed of production, causing unemployment and unrest among the working classes. Cottage knitters were brought together in groups into factories where the latest modern machinery turned out textiles at a rate never before imagines. Ned Ludd, a village simpleton living at Anstey, was persuaded by some unemployed workers to enter factories during the night and smash up the machines. After he was arrested more mobs were formed and operated throughout the country wherever factories opened. These mobs became known as The Luddites.

Taken from Leicestershire. Some Legends and Stories by Jack Meadows.