Framework Knitters Cottages, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire
This timber framed cottage was built in the 17th century. It was used as a Framework Knitters Cottage where socks and stockings were made. A Hinckley man named William Iliffe brought the first stocking-frame to his home town in 1640. Hinckley already had a woollen yarn preparation and spinning industry. By using frames it was able to produce stockings at least ten times faster and be in production for much longer periods "than the most skilled hand-knitter". For many centuries frame knitting was the main job and whole families worked in the industry.
