Between 1750 and 1860, the cotton spinning industry of Manchester was a source of tremendous wealth and innovation. Many owners made vast fortunes, while their workers toiled in dangerous conditions in the dark, satanic mills. Many of the owners, looking to expand their fortunes still further, turned to Wales and the growing slate quarrying industries. They rapidly industrialised the local quarries, bringing steam engines, railways and other technologies into agricultural communities, changing them forever.
This chart shows a few of the connections between the mills in and around Manchester and the quarries and railways of Wales. The Unitarian church, which flourished in Liverpool and Manchester was a key connector, as were the families and shared interests of a wide range of people. Zoom in to the chart to see the details of these connections.