John Lombe: A Revolutionary in England’s 18th-Century Silk Industry

by Stephen F | Mar 23, 2024 | About Stockport

I’ve always been fascinated by the heroes of industry, and there’s no one quite like John Lombe. His story is a riveting tale of ingenuity and determination that forever transformed England’s silk industry in the early 18th century. Lombe, a...

Revolutionising Stockport: The 19th-Century Shift from Handmade to Mechanised Hatting

by Stephen F | Mar 23, 2024 | About Stockport

In the heart of the 19th century, Stockport was a bustling hub of hatting. The town’s thriving hat industry was a testament to the skill and dedication of its craftsmen. But as the century wore on, a revolution was brewing. The rise of mechanisation was changing...

1797: The Ashton Canal’s Pivotal Role in Stockport’s Industrial Evolution

by Stephen F | Mar 23, 2024 | About Stockport

As a seasoned observer of the UK’s industrial history, I’ve always been fascinated by the Ashton Canal’s role in Stockport’s industrial expansion. The year 1797 marked a pivotal point in this narrative, when the canal was seamlessly integrated...

Economic Rollercoaster: The Rise and Fall of Silk Weaving Employment in 1760s Stockport

by Stephen F | Mar 23, 2024 | About Stockport

In the heart of the 18th century, Stockport emerged as a bustling hub for silk weaving. It was a time when the clatter of looms echoed through the streets, and the town’s economy thrived on the intricate threads of this luxury fabric. But as quickly as it...

Stockport’s Rise to Famed Hat-Making Centre: The 17th Century Hatting Industry Pinnacle

by Stephen F | Mar 26, 2024 | About Stockport

In the 17th century, Stockport emerged as a powerhouse in the hatting industry. Its rapid ascent wasn’t just luck or coincidence. It was a perfect storm of innovation, skilled labour, and strategic location, all playing their part in Stockport’s rise to...