New Lanark stands as a remarkable testament to the fusion of industrial innovation and social reform, shaped by the visionary Robert Owen in the early 19th century.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site not only showcases pioneering textile production but also embodies a commitment to improving the lives of workers through education and community welfare.
Where is New Lanark?
New Lanark is located in southern central Scotland, near the market town of Lanark. This historic village is nestled on the banks of the River Clyde, close to the Falls of Clyde.
What is New Lanark?
We’re so used to hearing William Blake’s justified condemnation of the weaving industry’s ‘dark Satanic mills’ that it’s easy to forget that there were one or two enlightened individuals who were keen to improve the lot of their workers. One such was Titus Salt, who built Yorkshire’s Saltaire ‘model village’ (see below). But long before him came Robert Owen.
The Welshman purchased New Lanark on the River Clyde near Glasgow, Scotland, in 1799. It had been founded 14 years earlier and used Richard Arkwright’s revolutionary water-powered spinning frames – a cut above anything seen at that time. Owen transformed the mills, providing decent housing, good sanitation and Britain’s very first infants’ school, opened in 1817.
When was New Lanark awarded UNESCO world heritage status?
It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, recognised for its significance as a model industrial community.
- Find out our pick of the best ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the UK.
Visiting New Lanark
New Lanark closed as a business in 1968, but the village Owen built was saved and now enjoys a second life as a fabulous interactive museum. You can step into the shoes of the workers and their families and even learn new skills such as a hoop-and-stick game called ‘gird-and-cleek’.
It’s also possible to stay overnight, since one of the former cotton mills has been converted into a large hotel.
Alternatively, you could book yourself one of the self-catering Waterhouse Cottages, each of which occupies a restored building in the village. It’s also worth taking a short stroll along the riverside footpath to the beautiful Falls of Clyde, whose waters once powered the mills – without which the factory would never have come into existence.
