Why was the site of Quarrybank mill chosen by Samuel Greg.

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Jordan Hoose

Why was the site of Quarrybank mill chosen by Samuel Greg

Samuel Greg set one of the most profitable mills in Britain up in 1785. It was, however, set up in the countryside, which was unusual, as most mills were set up in towns. So what were Greg’s motives for setting up his mill in such an unusual area?

        An influential factor in setting up his mill in Styal may have been Greg’s inheritance from his uncle, who died in 1872. His uncle, Robert Hyde, owned a merchant manufacturing business in Manchester (which dealt primarily in fustian, a cloth produced using both linen and cotton), and when he died, he left Greg roughly £30 000, a figure taken from Source 2. This large inheritance put him in a good financial position to take a risk, such as setting up his mill in Styal. His inheritance gave him the security to take a risk – even if his venture at Styal failed, he would still have business.

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        Another factor in Greg’s decision to set up his mill at Styal could have been the land, which was very cheap and suitable. Source 3 says that he identified the land as cheap and available for lease. He also identified the fact that an old corn mill already existed there. Source 5 includes references to buildings before the mill was set up, so someone had already built on the land. The source also tells us that lease was £50 payment and a yearly rent of £2 8 shillings. Low costs would mean that he could spend the money that he ...

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