Friday Folk
A BOOK detailing the history of an East Lancashire man who became famous overseas has gone on sale following 20 years of research by the author.
Alan Hitch, of Rawtenstall, carried out a comprehensive study of the life and times of William Cockerill, a Rossendale workman and inventor, and his family.
"Roving Billy Cockerill" was born in 1759 and became famous for inventing the Roving Billy, part of a spinning machine.
He worked abroad, making the machines during the turbulent Napoleonic wars.
His son John is still honoured with statues in Liege and Brussels. He is well known for owning the firm that constructed the first railways in the Belgian capital.
Mr Hitch, a 55-year-old retired librarian, said: "My interest in the Cockerills began while I was working at Bury.
"The book is the result of 20 years of research, writing to Belgium and gathering translations."
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