Warp and Woof

The industrial Midlands pioneered textile production; from the framework knitters of Nottinghamshire to the birth of the modern factory in the Derwent valley in Derbyshire.

A fascinating look back at the industrial history of the Midlands' textile industry. In Derbyshire Richard Arkwright was king and, using the water from the Derwent, he powered his new concept - the factory, taking workers out of the cottage workshop for the first time. Nottinghamshire clergyman, William Lee devised the labour saving knitting frame and its principals were still being employed centuries later in everything from Nottingham lace to Coventry ribbon.