Arkwright's Cromford Mill

1771

Richard Arkwright, a barber-turned-inventor, built the world's first factory on the River Derwent - a five-story brick box filled with his patent water frame. He hired whole families and worked them in shifts, night and day. The age of the factory system began among the sheep pastures of Derbyshire. By the time of his death, Arkwright was one of the richest commoners in England.