The water frame, also known as the spinning frame, was developed by Richard Arkwright along with John Kay, and others. This device was an improvement on the spinning jenny, and was capable of producing better, stronger thread. However, unlike the spinning jenny, the device was too large to be operated by hand. Because of this, Richard Arkwright first tried using horses to power his machine. Later he switched to water power, which is why it is now called the water frame.

Although Richard Arkwright borrowed his ideas for the water frame from the spinning jenny, he did invent the factory system. The water frame, unlike the spinning jenny, was too large to be operated at home. Thus, for the first time women had to leave home to spin yarn. His factory system was the beginning of the industrial revolution, and was so successful that Richard Arkwright amassed a fortune of £500,000, worth over 300 million US dollars today.

*Picture from:
"Richard Arkwright, Arkwright House and the invention of the water frame". Lancashire Pioneers. 5 Jan. 2004. <http://www.lancashirepioneers.com/arkwright/house.asp>

"INVENTORS: Sir Richard Arkwright and the water frame". Cotton Times. 5 Jan. 2004. <http://www.cottontimes.co.uk/arkwrighto.htm>

• This website describes the history of Richard Arkwright and the water frame.

"Richard Arkwright, Arkwright House and the invention of the water frame". Lancashire Pioneers. 5 Jan. 2004. <http://www.lancashirepioneers.com/arkwright/house.asp>

• This website describes the history of Richard Arkwright and the water frame, and also contains some primary sources from Richard Arkwright’s patent.

"Water Frame". Spartacus Educational. 12 May 2002. 5 Jan. 2004. <http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/TEXframe.htm>

• This website describes the history of Richard Arkwright and the water frame.