Experience living history in Scotland’s industrial heartland. <\/p>
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. <\/strong><\/p> 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.<\/p> New Lanark\u00a0is located in southern central Scotland, near the market town of\u00a0Lanark<\/a>. This historic village is nestled on the banks of the\u00a0River Clyde, close to the\u00a0Falls of Clyde.<\/p> We\u2019re so used to hearing William Blake\u2019s justified condemnation of the weaving industry\u2019s \u2018dark Satanic mills\u2019 that it\u2019s 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\u2019s Saltaire \u2018model village\u2019 (see below). But long before him came Robert Owen.<\/p> 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\u2019s revolutionary water-powered spinning frames \u2013 a cut above anything seen at that time. Owen transformed the mills, providing decent housing, good sanitation and Britain\u2019s very first infants\u2019 school, opened in 1817.<\/p> It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> in 2001, recognised for its significance as a model industrial community.<\/p> 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 \u2018gird-and-cleek\u2019.\u00a0<\/p> It\u2019s also possible to stay overnight,\u00a0since one of the former cotton mills has been converted into a large hotel<\/a>. <\/p>Where is New Lanark?<\/h2>
What is New Lanark?<\/h2>
When was New Lanark awarded UNESCO world heritage status?<\/h2>
Visiting New Lanark<\/h2>