Ditherington Mill and the Industrial Revolution

Ditherington Mill, located in a suburb of Shrewsbury, England, has been described by Historic England as the “father of the skyscraper.” Its iron-framed, fireproof structure—the first of its kind—is the direct predecessor of the buildings that make up so much of the skyline of modern cities. This in-depth study of Ditherington shines a light both on the innovative technologies used to create the mill itself as well as the people—some renowned, some all but forgotten—responsible for the mill’s construction and operation. Packed with illustrations, this is a rich and engaging history of a key part of the Industrial Revolution, bringing to the fore crucial developments in engineering, the textile industry, and business.