Textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution

With the establishment of overseas colonies, the British Empire at the end of the 17th century/beginning of the 18th century had a vast source of raw materials and a vast market for goods. The manufacture of goods was performed on a limited scale by individual workers – usually on their own premises (such as weavers' cottages) – and was transported around the country by horse and cart, or by river boat. Power was supplied by draught animals for agriculture and haulage.

Background

The key British industry at the beginning of the 18th century was the production of textiles made with wool from the large sheep-farming areas in the Midlands and across the country (created as a result of land-clearance and inclosure). Handlooms and spinning wheels were the tools of the trade of the weavers in their cottages, and this was a labour-intensive activity providing employment throughout Britain, with major centres being the West Country; Norwich and environs; and the West Riding of Yorkshire. The export trade in woolen goods accounted for more than a quarter of British exports during most of the 18th century, doubling between 1701 and 1770 http://socserv2.socsci.mcmaster.ca/~econ/ugcm/3ll3/toynbee/indrev. Exports of the cotton industry – centred in Lancashire – had grown ten-fold during this time, but still accounted for only a tenth of the value of the woolen trade.

Related Topics:
Textile - Wool - Sheep - Midlands - Inclosure - Handlooms - Spinning wheel - Weaver - Employment - Norwich - West Riding of Yorkshire - Export - Cotton - Lancashire

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