An examination of the Halifax textile industry in a period of intense technological change, 1700 to 1850
Land in Halifax parish was steep and infertile, partible inheritance was traditional, and the inhabitants resorted to industry. By 1700 the occupational structure indicates exceptional industrialisation. The study examines developments as additional products were introduced, each with distinct origins and technology, and industry transferred from cottages to factories. In 1700 Halifax industry was rural, its product woollen kersey, its driving force the larger-scale clothiers who made goods themselves, put work out, and bought from smaller producers. They sought markets and built up networks of mercantile contacts. Accumulated capital enabled them to extend the product range with worsteds, to meet new and growing demand for lighter fabrics, which required more labour than kersey. Factors which prompted the emergence of industry facilitated early adoption of new technology. Water power was exploited to enhance output of existing industry, and reduce its costs. The earlier possibilities for mechanisation, and for growth, presented by cotton manufacture were taken, and a new industry introduced. Land formations which provided water power delayed urbanisation and adoption of steam power in Halifax, where industry
Humphreys, Valerie
History
An examination of the Halifax textile industry in a period of intense technological change, 1700 to 1850. Land in Halifax parish was steep and infertile, partible inheritance was traditional, and the inhabitants resorted to industry. By 1700 the occupational structure indicates exceptional industrialisation. The study examines developments as additional products were introduced, each with distinct origins and technology, and industry transferred from cottages to factories. In 1700 Halifax industry was rural, its product woollen kersey, its driving force the larger-scale clothiers who made goods themselves, put work out, and bought from smaller producers. They sought markets and built up networks of mercantile contacts. Accumulated capital enabled them to extend the product range with worsteds, to meet new and growing demand for lighter fabrics, which required more labour than kersey. Factors which prompted the emergence of industry facilitated early adoption of new technology. Water power was exploited to enhance output of existing industry, and reduce its costs. The earlier possibilities for mechanisation, and for growth, presented by cotton manufacture were taken, and a new industry introduced. Land formations which provided water power delayed urbanisation and adoption of steam power in Halifax, where industry
examination textile_industry period_intense technological_change land parish steep inheritance traditional inhabitant resort industry occupational_structure indicate exceptional industrialisation study examine_development additional product introduce distinct origin technology industry transfer factory industry rural product woollen drive_force larger scale clothier make good put work buy small producer sought market build network mercantile contact capital enable extend product range meet new grow_demand light fabric require labour factors prompt emergence industry facilitate early adoption new_technology water power exploit enhance output exist industry reduce cost early possibility mechanisation growth present cotton manufacture take new industry introduce land formation provide water power delay urbanisation adoption steam_power industry