Thanks to Mrs Jean Mellings for suggesting William Lee — George P. Landow

1563      Rev. William Lee, born at Woodborough near Nottingham, invents the Stocking Frame, a mechanical device for knitting stockings.

1712      Thomas Newcomen builds first commercially successful steam engine. First significant power source other than wind and water.

1733      John Kay's flying shuttle.

1765      James Hargreaves invents the spinning jenny, automating weaving the warp (in the weaving of cloth).

1769      Arkwright's "water" (powered) frame automates the weft.

1775      Watt's first efficient steam engine, much more efficient than the Newcomen. 

1779      First steam powered mills. Crompton's "mule" combines Hargreaves' and Arkwright's machines, fully automating the weaving process.

1786      Arkwright puts a Watt engine in the Albion cotton mill, Blackfriars Bridge, London.

1787      Cartwright builds a power loom.

1793      Eli Whitney develops his cotton gin (a device to clean raw cotton).

1821      Faraday demonstrates electro-magnetic rotation, the principle of the electric motor.

1831      Faraday discovers electro-magnetic current, making possible generators and electric engines.

1851      Singer invents first practical sewing machine. 

1856      W.H. Perkin produces aniline dyes, permitting brightly colored cottons.


Last modified 6 August 2018