Quarry Bank Mill Learning Journey

Follow the Learning Journey steps into the world of The Quarry Bank Mill community, and discover a microcosm of life in the cotton factory system.

Click on the steps below to explore.

Quarry Bank Mill Learning Journey Step 1: The Mill Owner Samuel Greg was born in Belfast in 1758, one of thirteen children to Thomas and Elizabeth (nee Hyde). His father was a respected merchant, manufacturer, ship owner and owner of lands in America and the West Indies. His mother was the daughter of a small Lancashire landowner and Belfast linen merchant. In 1766, Samuel was sent to live with his maternal uncles, Robert and Nathaniel Hyde, in Manchester during a period of poor trade, and never returned to the family home. After completing his education in 1778, he entered his uncles' textile merchant-manufacturing business, one of the largest trading firms in the city. Within 4 years, he had risen to the position of partner in the firm when Robert Hyde died, leaving him an inheritance of £10,000. Shortly after, Nathaniel retired and, aged 24 years, Samuel took charge of a prospering business valued at £26,000. Aware of the technological advances being made in the industry and the problems encountered in trying to ensure a constant supply of yarn for the Hydes' handloom weaving workshops, Samuel decided to invest in his own cotton spinning factory.

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