During the late 18th century, British manufacturers revolutionised the production of cotton, using machinery powered by waterwheels. By 1800, there were 900 cotton mills employing 400,000 people. Vast new mills were built — but there was a problem. Brick and timber construction was vulnerable to fire, and many mills lit by oil or gas burnt down.
Ditherington Flax Mill was the world’s first incombustible iron-framed building. It was also the ancestor of every large building with a steel frame today, from supermarkets to skyscrapers.
During the late 18th century, British manufacturers revolutionised the production of cotton, using machinery powered by waterwheels. By 1800, there were 900 cotton mills employing 400,000 people. Vast new mills were built — but there was a problem. Brick and timber construction was vulnerable to fire, and many mills lit by oil or gas burnt down. Ditherington Flax Mill was the world’s first incombustible iron-framed building. It was also the ancestor of every large building with a steel frame today, from supermarkets to skyscrapers.
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