Manchester History Club

Manchester History Club

Share this post

Manchester History Club
Manchester History Club
Kissing the Shuttle
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Kissing the Shuttle

How an invention that sparked the industrial revolution in Lancashire became a hidden killer of the region's mill workers

Dean Kirby's avatar
Dean Kirby
Jan 18, 2025
∙ Paid
23

Share this post

Manchester History Club
Manchester History Club
Kissing the Shuttle
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
5
4
Share
John Kay’s Flying Shuttle revolutionised the cotton weaving industry in Lancashire.

When John Kay from Bury near Manchester developed the flying shuttle in 1733, it was such a pivotal moment that it lit the fires of the industrial revolution.

With its brass-tipped, bullet-shaped ends, Kay’s shuttle was soon zipping like a rocket across the weaving looms …

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Dean Kirby
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More