Initially a loose federation of local unions, it expanded rapidly, reaching 4,000 members and one hundred branches by 1835, and gradually increased its national activity.
However, its involvement with the Operative Builders Union led to difficulties, with funds running out and membership dropping to only 2,000.
1836 proved far more successful, membership rebounding and finances settled, but ran into difficulties again in 1842 after disputes relating to the construction of the Houses of Parliament.
[1] In its early years, a key objective for the union was banning worked stone from being transported to another town without its consent.
After several unsuccessful attempts to introduce this rule in parts of Lancashire, it was successful in Sheffield in 1862, and by 1867 was able to apply the policy nationally.