James hargreaves - spin doctor

[Accrington Heritage]

The Stanhill Village Heritage Project celebrates the life and times of James Hargreaves, the inventor of the Spinning Jenny. hargreaves lived and worked in the picturesque village where he invented the machine in 1764. His cottage still stands among the many other handloom weaver cottages. Also present are Stanhill Hall, home of a famous Victorian novelist William Bury Westall and half a mile away at Knuzden, the home of William 'Parsley' Peel, the calico entrepreneur and grandfather of Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister and founder of the first official police force.

It is generally agreed that the Spinning Jenny set in train the textile revolution that helped turn Lancashire into a major industrial force. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund we established in 2016 a heritage trail, website, You Tube video and a programme of guided walks and talks including a model of the Spinning Jenny and a spinning demonstration. Many visitors have now experienced the 'Stanhill Village' and it is especially popular as part of the event programme of groups and societies. The presence of the excellent Stanhill Pub and Kitchen also adds a gastronomic bonus to the visits.

If you would like arrange a visit please visit our website: Stanhill Village | A Cradle of the Industrial Revolution and use the e mail contact provided.