New Lanark

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The cotton mills at New Lanark were founded in 1786, and used some of the era’s most advanced industrial technologies. However, workers lived in squalor as the mill owners tried to milk as much profit out of the facility as possible. This all changed in the early 19th century when Robert Owen purchased the mills, and redeveloped them according to his Utopian ideals. This ambitious undertaking saw the construction of decent homes and open spaces, but more importantly, Owen provided fair wages, free healthcare, and a new education system - not to mention the world’s first workplace nursery. Today, the town’s open spaces and picturesque riverside setting provide a pleasant place to stroll. Visitors can also take a unique guided tour to learn what life was like for workers, step into the mill to learn about the production process, and head into the home of Robert Owen to learn about the man himself.