A Glossary of terms used in this section

Mule

The spinning mule was invented by Samuel Crompton, 1753-1827, in England in the 1770s. The mule did not become widespread in commercial use until the end of the century and did not reach full maturity until 1825-1830 when the fully mechanised version was developed by Richard Roberts. The mule acquired its name because it combines the drafting rollers of Arkwright’s water frame with the moving carriage of Hargreave’s spinning jenny.