Lancashire Lantern
Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers
Part of the Lancashire Lantern network, the Pioneers gives details of people who were famous local people in science, technology and innovation. These pioneers were either born in Lancashire or their endeavours made a significant contribution to the development of the County.
Richard Arkwright - Father of the factory system
By 1775 the Nottingham and Cromford mills were showing a profit. In that year he took out his second patent for ten different devices, including one for carding (straightening out the cotton fibres before spinning).
He was able to mechanise the whole process, from taking in the raw cotton to producing spun cotton.
He grasped the need for a mechanised production line and his machines could be operated by a comparatively unskilled work force.
He was able to use cheap labour, including children, and, by 1789, 800 people were employed at Cromford Mill alone.
He developed a factory system and so helped to start the Industrial Revolution.
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