The Lombe family of Norfolk had been involved in the weaving trade for many generations. In the early 1700's John Lombe visited Italy where he saw mechanical weaving machines, known as "throwing machines".
Armed with this knowledge and his engineering skills he built a factory five stories high with 26 machines powered by water. A workforce of up to 400 meant the amount of silk that could be produced quickly and in vast quantity's.
His glory was short lived however, as John died in mysterious circumstances five years later, many believing he was poisoned by the Italians for stealing their machine design.
8 comments:
Good looking building.
I wonder if the Italians did finish him off, or his family did it for the money perhaps?
Beautifully shown here Mo, interesting history. I can't believe it's 0C still over there brrrrrr!
Another fabulous photo and equally enticing story today. I love it.
Nice shot of an interesting place. It leads me to wonder how silk was produced at that time in Asia. I read a novel about it some years back. I should take a look at it again.
Interesting! Is it still a mill?
Mo, your composition of this photograph is superb. Love it!
Love the photo and love the story even more! I like to think it was a case of industrial espionage revenge.
Oooh, that is so interesting! I love factories and the history of the industrial revolution! Must visit.
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