Arkwright, Sir Richard
Arkwright, Sir Richard (1732-92), British pioneer of mechanical spinning. In 1768 Arkwright designed a spinning frame, a machine capable of producing a cot-ton thread strong enough to be used as the warp in weaving. He built and patented a number of machines, many of which were copied by other manufacturers. Popular feeling against the machines was strong, as it was felt they would replace the handicraft of the spinners, and in 1779 Arkwright’s mill at Chorley was destroyed by a mob. Nevertheless his business prospered. In 1786 he was knighted and in 1790 he introduced steam power into his Nottingham works.
