Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Early British mills—textile, grist, and later industrial—were overwhelmingly sited on rivers for three practical reasons:
Before steam engines became reliable, flowing water was the most consistent, scalable energy source. Waterwheels converted current into rotary motion to drive machinery.
Rivers provided cheap, efficient transport for raw materials (cotton, wool, grain) and finished goods, especially before canals and railways.
Many rivers flow through regions rich in wool, timber, and other inputs, reducing supply‑chain distances.
Additionally, rivers supplied process water and drinking water for workers and draft animals. This confluence of power, logistics, and resources fueled the early Industrial Revolution in Britain.