The River Clyde

Above is a photograph of Dundas Linn, one of the many Falls which exist on the stretch of the River Clyde at or near the village of New Lanark. When Dale and Arkwright first viewed the site in the 1780's, it must have seemed to them the perfect one at which to build manufacturing mills. The river falls many metres and its power, properly harnessed, would drive many of Richard Arkwright's new Water Frames.

Leaving Dale to set about building the mills and the village housing, Arkwright went back south with many of the initial village workforce to train them in the use of his machine.

The partnership was to last a number of years and the site of Dale's mills at New Lanark proved to be an inspired choice, not only for himself and the workers there, but for all who worked and lived at the village.

Today the river is still an awesome sight, seen from the bus park as you walk down to the village itself. In winter and early spring, with the river in spate, it is easy to see why it still remains today a source of power.

ACTIVITY

1. Why did Arkwright and Dale decide to build their manufacturing mills at New Lanark?

2. What did each man bring to their famous partnership? Whose contribution do you consider to have been the most important and why?

3. Sketch or draw one of the many falls near or at the village. Try to find out why it was necessary to build a weir on the river.

4. Now return to the POWER page of this website and review the information there.