Record

Entry Type	Person
Surname	Arkwright
Forenames	Richard
Pre Title	Sir
Epithet	knight, inventor and engineer
Dates	1732-1792
Gender Identity	Male
Biography	Inventor and leading entrepreneur during the early Industrial Revolution. Originally employed as a wigmaker, barber in Bolton Lancashire he invented a permanent dye for perukes. In late 1750s he became interested in inventions particularly carding and spinning of cotton. In 1769 he patented a spinning frame. By 1771 he had with Jedidiah Strutt and Samuel Need developed the worlds first water powered cotton spinning mill at Cromford. Inventor of the spinning frame, later renamed the water frame. Combined water power, machinery, semi-skilled labour and the new raw material cotton to create mass-produced yarn. Creator of the modern factory system, especially in his mill at Cromford. Known as 'the Father of the Industrial Revolution'.
Key Events	1732: Born Preston, Lancashire 1792: Died Rock House, Cromford
Authorised Form of Name	Arkwright; Sir; Richard (1732-1792); knight, inventor and engineer

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