In 1777, there were 23 weavers living in Cottingham (some are listed on the 1777 militia list), but competition from large industrial mills led to the collapse of the hand loom weaving industry in the early years of the 19th century.This caused a great deal of poverty and hardship for local people, especially in Corby where, at one time, around 89% of the working population was engaged in weaving and related activities. In Kettering, with over a third of the population on poor relief, the situation became so desperate that the town declared itself bankrupt!By 1841, the industry had all but disappeared in the area.
