Theme Major Events
Expansion of England in C17th
England in the 17th century, it’s trade and expansion, how and why did England achieve such an expansion in it’s markets? What was happening that enabled England to dominate trade?
Read MoreTension between East India Company & British Government 1784
Tension East India Company and British Government The East India Company Act of 1784 The British presence in India was a result of the trading opportunities grasped by the East India Company way back at the start of the C17th. The company monopolised trade, had it’s own armies and ruled and regulated itself. The 18th century saw…
Read MoreJames Watt and the Industrial Revolution 1774
James Watt and the Industrial Revolution The inventor of the first practical and it should be said, economical steam engine was James Watt, an instrument maker from Glasgow who saw the problems with earlier engines such as Newcomen’s engine. A man with a fastidious eye for details, Watt saw the potential to improve the engine…
Read MoreBritish Prison Hulks New York Harbour 1776
During the American War of Independence, British prison hulks were moored in New York harbour. Many of the prisoners died on board these dismal and wretched ships. A list of some 8000 names of those who were on board can be searched online using the link To find other connections between your family history and…
Read MoreRepeal of Calico Act 1774
The repeal of the calico act 1744 was one of the most important acts of the Industrial Revolution
Read MoreCaptain Cook 1728 – 1779
An amazing wealth of geographical and scientific knowledge resulted from the expeditions undertaken by Captain Cook and his crew. They were pivotal in advancing Britain’s colonial aspirations
Read More1773 Boston Tea Party
The begining of the end of British rule in America, the Boston tea party
Read MoreLast Battle on British Soil Culloden 1746
The last battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden
Read More1754 The war between New England and New France
Did your ancestors take up arms against the French in Canada?
Read MoreNorthampton and the First Cotton Spinning Mill 1742
The first cotton spinning mill was built in Northamptonshire in 1742 but just what effect did mass production of yarns in the textile industry bring to those working in cottage industries, how did they cope?
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