New Lanark Mills catalogue coming soon…

By emmaeanthony on June 7, 2012 • ( 0 )

Our enhanced New Lanark Mills catalogue will be available online for the first time in the next few weeks to coincide with the launch of Robert Owen and his Legacy, edited by Noel Thompson and Chris Williams (University of Wales Press, 2011). An event will be held at the New Lanark Heritage Centre on Sunday 24th June to celebrate the launch of this book. The volume consists of twelve essays from leading scholars and younger researchers on various aspects of the life, work and legacy of Robert Owen (1771-1858).

Robert Owen was a social reformer who dedicated his life to improving the rights, education, working life, and living standards of the working class. He purchased New Lanark mills from his father-in-law, David Dale, in 1799. Under Owen’s management, the village boasted the first infant school in the world, free medical care, and a structured education for both children and adults, the latter of whom could attend evening classes.

Amongst its unexpected gems, the collection includes Robert Owen’s diary, which details every day events such as the ringing of the bell and the effects of the weather, as well as commentary on the moral norms of the village:

The New Lanark Mills collection is a fantastic resource for genealogists, social historians and those interested in social reform and urban planning. It contains a variety of material such as visitors books; rent records, a birth, marriages, and deaths register; order books, and some fantastic photographs such as this image of a textile worker in the 1950s:

If you are interested in using this collection for research purposes please contact the duty archivist. If you want to find out more about visiting New Lanark please see the website.