Historic England - Sir Richard Arkwright

Born in Preston and considered the father of the modern industrial factory system, Arkwright patented his spinning machine in 1769 and set up his first mill in which the power was supplied by horses. Two years later he established a larger mill for textile production, driven by waterpower, in Cromford, Derbyshire.

 

 

 

Places to visit

Derwent Valley Mills, Derbyshire
Re-live the conditions of the early industrial era as you explore this World Heritage Site stretching down the Derwent river valley. This fascinating series of historic mill complexes includes some of the world’s first ‘modern’ factories. Tour the village Arkwright built for his mill workers from 1776 or look inside Masson Mills, the finest surviving example of an Arkwright cotton spinning mill.

Preston, Lancashire (www.visitpreston.com/)
See the Blue Plaque on the house where he lived in Stoneygate and other items at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery.