Rev. William Lee, born at Woodborough near Nottingham, invents the Stocking Frame, a mechanical device for knitting stockings.

Thomas Newcomen builds first commercially successful steam engine. First significant power source other than wind and water.

John Kay's flying shuttle.

James Hargreaves invents the spinning jenny, automating weaving the warp (in the weaving of cloth).

Arkwright's "water" (powered) frame automates the weft.

Watt's first efficient steam engine, much more efficient than the Newcomen. 

First steam powered mills. Crompton's "mule" combines Hargreaves' and Arkwright's machines, fully automating the weaving process.

Arkwright puts a Watt engine in the Albion cotton mill, Blackfriars Bridge, London.

Cartwright builds a power loom.

Eli Whitney develops his cotton gin (a device to clean raw cotton).

Faraday demonstrates electro-magnetic rotation, the principle of the electric motor.

Faraday discovers electro-magnetic current, making possible generators and electric engines.

Singer invents first practical sewing machine. 

W.H. Perkin produces aniline dyes, permitting brightly colored cottons.