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Samuel Stretton facts for kids

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Samuel Stretton (born 1731, died 1811) was a very important builder and architect from Nottingham, England. He is famous for creating the first factory in England that used machines powered by horses to make cotton.

Samuel Stretton's Early Life and Family

Samuel was born in Longdon, Staffordshire, around 1731. In 1750, he moved to Lenton, a town near Nottingham. This is where he got married and where all his children were baptized.

On July 14, 1754, Samuel married Elizabeth Wombwell in Lenton. They had six children together:

  • William Stretton (born 1755, died 1828)
  • Ann (born 1757, died 1820)
  • Elizabeth (born 1759)
  • Mary (born 1760)
  • Samuel Stretton (born 1761)
  • Sarah (born 1763)

Elizabeth, Samuel's wife, passed away on February 22, 1802, and was buried in Lenton. Samuel Stretton himself died on May 11, 1811, and was buried in Lenton on May 16.

Samuel Stretton's Building Career

Samuel Stretton ran his own building business in Nottingham. Later, his son William Stretton joined him, and they worked together. Samuel built many important structures during his career.

Key Buildings and Projects

Here are some of the notable buildings Samuel Stretton worked on:

  • 1769–1772: The First Powered Cotton Mill
    • This was a groundbreaking project! It was the first factory in England to use machines powered by horses. The horses walked in a circle, turning a large machine called a capstan, which then powered the cotton-making equipment.
  • 1776: Colwick Hall
    • A grand country house that Samuel helped to build.
  • 1777: Grand Stand on Nottingham Racecourse
    • This building was for people to watch horse races.
  • 1789: Nottingham Town Jail
    • Samuel also built the town's prison.
  • 1792: Evans, Storer and Green Brewery
    • This was a large building for making beer in Lenton, Nottingham. It was a very big project, costing a lot of money at the time.
  • 1792: Lenton Hall
    • Hugh Stewart Hall
      Lenton Hall built in 1792, now part of Hugh Stewart Hall at the University of Nottingham
    • This impressive building is now part of Hugh Stewart Hall at the University of Nottingham.
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