Building large mills like this one, near Preston, Lancashire, depended on successfully building larger, more powerful steam engines. But did James Watt block steam's further development?
Image: Science Museum/SSPL
A booming industry
James Watt's steam engines were key to Britain's successful industrial development. By 1800, 500 had been built, of which 60 per cent were rotative, suitable for turning factory machinery. By 1800 there were 900 cotton spinning factories in Britain, providing a fertile market for steam engines in the future.
But Watt's legacy has been controversial. Read on to find out why.
