Replica of Crompton's Mule spinning frame

The original, from which this copy was made, was used by Crompton between 1800-1815 and is preserved at Chadwick Museum (now Bolton Museum & Art Gallery). This hybrid spinning machine combined Arkwright's method of drawing out the roving (twisted cotton fibres) by rollers and Hargreaves's reciprocating carriage. It was invented by Samuel Crompton (1753-1827) of Bolton, Lancashire, between 1772 and 1779 for the purpose of spinning the fine yarn suitable for weft in weaving. The original machine, of which this is a replica, had about 144 spindles, but this copy has at some time been cut down to a convenient size for exhibition purposes.

The original, from which this copy was made, was used by Crompton between 1800-1815 and is preserved at Chadwick Museum (now Bolton Museum & Art Gallery). This hybrid spinning machine combined Arkwright's method of drawing out the roving (twisted cotton fibres) by rollers and Hargreaves's reciprocating carriage. It was invented by Samuel Crompton (1753-1827) of Bolton, Lancashire, between 1772 and 1779 for the purpose of spinning the fine yarn suitable for weft in weaving. The original machine, of which this is a replica, had about 144 spindles, but this copy has at some time been cut down to a convenient size for exhibition purposes.