The industrial revolution’s flirtation with the Cotswolds only lasted a few decades. When I visited the Stroud Valley near Nailsworth 20 years ago, you could still see some of the abandonded textile mills. Some may have once belonged to the Blackwells. Presumably some are still standing.
Water powered (and wind powered) mills have a disadvantage in competing with mills powered by steam engines. Each machine in a one of those mills has to be connected to the shaft that’s turned by the water wheel, or wind sails, or steam engine. Shafts and gears could do some of that, but usually most of it was done by belts and pulleys. In those days the belts were made of leather. Figuring out how to connect each of the power looms or spinning machines to the main shaft required a lot of ingenuity. Creating and maintaining those connections was the job of a millwright. All those moving belts were dangerous – clothing or a limb could easily get caught, and a worker might lose a limb – or their life.
But water and wind powered mills had a big disadvantage. Each machine that you attached added resistance – the water wheel (or wind sails) had to move each machine. And even a rapidly moving stream could only power so many machines before the resistance became too great for the current to overcome. But steam engines didn’t have that problem. Increase the size of, or the number of, steam engines, and you can power all the machines you want.
The Cotswold’s flocks of sheep and swiftly running rivers gave them an advantage at the beginning of the *industrial revolution, but with steam power, mills needed to be close to the coal mines and have good access to the markets. Railroads became crucial for the coal they needed and for getting the textiles to the markets.
Our Blackwells apparently saw the handwriting on the wall and were open to new opportunities to invest their recent wealth – which made them consider the Rev. John Hey’s scheme. (stay tuned)
COMMENTS:
Lundy Updike Love this – keep going!
Betty Phillips GREAT history. Can I come and live with you and Mary?