<P> In the 1840s George Henry Corliss of Providence, Rhode Island improved the reliability of stationary steam engines . He replaced slide valves with valves that used cams . These Corliss valves were more efficient and more reliable than their predecessors . Initially, steam engines pumped water into a nearby reservoir that powered the water wheel, but were later used as the mill's primary power source . The Corliss valve was adopted in the UK, where in 1868 more than 60 mill engines were fitted with them . </P> <P> The large steam - powered Bowreath Cotton Mills opened at Fort Gloster near Calcutta by British interests in the 1820s, using British women to impart machine - spinning skills to the local workforce . They closed down in 1837 but reopened with Dwarkanath Tagore as a major shareholder, and by 1840 lay at the centre of a major industrial complex powered by five steam engines, that included a twist mill, foundry and a rum distillery . </P> <P> Just before 1870, a mill was built by a joint - stock spinning company and this financial structure led to a new wave of mill construction . The phrase Oldham Limiteds describes these companies . Family - run firms continued to build, but grouped into associations such as the Fine Spinners' and Doublers' Association . Joseph Stott of Oldham perfected a method of fireproof floor construction using steel beams supporting brick vaults that in turn supported concrete floors that would support heavier equipment . Ring frames replaced mule frames; they were heavier and larger and were placed transversely, the floors became larger (up to 130 feet (40 m) wide) and higher to provide light . The bay size in a mill was defined by the positioning of machines . In an 1870 mill the bay was typically 10 feet 6 inches (3.20 m), and the brick vaults 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m) though there were variations . </P> <P> Engines were run at higher pressures and from 1875, powered horizontal shafts on each floor by means of ropes . This was a prominent change as a rope race had to be built running the height of the mill . The engine needed more space and the engine house, boiler house and economiser were external to the main mill . Mills continued to get bigger, and were sometimes paired; two mills being driven by one engine . Another change was the trend of having carding on one floor . To achieve this, the ground floor was extended outwards behind the mill often a full mill width . In a single mill, the crosswall divided the blowing room from the rest, as it was here that there was greatest risk of fire . </P>

Who set up first cotton mill in england