New Lanark, the former cotton spinning village, is internationally renowned for pioneering technology and social change in the Industrial Revolution. This book traces the community's history from its conception as a centre of mass production in 1785 to its present day standing as a World Heritage Site. Beginning with New Lanark's early development under its creator, the banker and textile entrepreneur David Dale (1739-1806), it looks at the social conditions of the mainly migrant workforce recruited to the village, and especially at the use of child labour from the cities. Detailing Robert Owen's social and educational experiments at New Lanark (1813-1825), it describes how the community became a showpiece around the world for its 'New System' of society. After Owen's departure for New Harmony in Indiana, the book charts the relative decline of the mills under a succession of owners - the Walkers, the Birkmyres, and the Gourock Ropework Company. The book concludes with the story of closure and long term restoration as a living village, major tourist attraction and inscription as a World Heritage Site.
It is a fascinating read for anyone interested in heritage, conservation, social and community history.