James Hargreaves
English cotton weaver; inventor of the spinning jenny
About James Hargreaves
Lived 1720 – 1778 (aged 57). James Hargreaves was a British carpenter, inventor and weaver (occupation), known for Spinning jenny.
Life and work
James Hargreaves was born at Stanhill, Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire. He was described as "stout, broadest man of about five-foot ten, or rather more". He was illiterate and worked as a hand loom weaver during most of his life. He married and baptismal records show he had 13 children, and on educational websites to the present day. The 'jenny' refers to an engine, a common slang term in Lancashire in the 18th century, and encountered occasionally even now.
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Important facts
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped James Hargreaves's
Frequently asked questions
Who was James Hargreaves?
English cotton weaver; inventor of the spinning jenny
When was James Hargreaves born?
James Hargreaves was born on 13 December 1720 in Blackburn.
When did James Hargreaves die?
James Hargreaves died on 22 April 1778 in Nottingham.
What was James Hargreaves's occupation?
James Hargreaves was a carpenter, inventor and weaver (occupation).
What was James Hargreaves known for?
James Hargreaves was known for Spinning jenny.
What nationality was James Hargreaves?
James Hargreaves was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Hargreaves. https://biography.guide/james-hargreaves-carpenter/
MLA: "James Hargreaves." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-hargreaves-carpenter/.
Chicago: "James Hargreaves." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-hargreaves-carpenter/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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