THE birthplace of one of the industrial revolution’s most important figures is now on the market.

Nestled among the historical and fascinating buildings of Firwood Fold, Crompton’s Cottage is the childhood home of Samuel Crompton, inventor of the spinning mule.

The quaint, thatched roof cottage, which dates back to about 1610, combines a wealth of charm and period character.

The property is now up for auction under Alexandra West Sales and Lettings, in Darwen Road, Bromley Cross.

And it offers potential buyers the chance to acquire an idyllic property, steeped in history.

Ms West said: “It’s a very special property and it’s rare to be able to market a property with so much history in this area, especially one with a thatch.

“The cottage is in a unique hamlet that takes you back in time to when life was lived at a different pace.”

And she added that, due to its Grade I listing, Crompton’s birthplace was certain to be ‘preserved and protected for future generations to admire’.

Samuel Crompton was born in Firwood Fold in December 1753 to a family that had been weavers in the area for several generations.

His spinning mule combined features of two earlier inventions — Richard Arkwright’s water frame and James Hargreaves’ spinning jenny — in one design. 

By 1812 there were between four and five million mule spindles in use across the country. 

But as the mule was not patented others soon manufactured it, and Crompton received no royalties.

The cottage is for sale by modern method of auction with a starting bid price of £145,000 

To enquire visit alexandrawest.co.uk