Ned Ludd is the person from whom the Luddites took their name.

His actions inspired the folkloric character of General Ludd, who became the Luddites' alleged leader and founder.

It is believed that Ned Ludd came from the village of Anstey, just outside Leicester in England.

The incident that inspired his transformation from an 18th-century common man to a 19th-century hero of the proletariat occurred when he broke two stocking frames in a fit of rage.

Many letters of threat from the Luddites were said to of been signed by 'General Nedd'.