Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Arkwright, Richard (1755-1843)
ARKWRIGHT, RICHARD (1755–1813), only son of Sir Richard Arkwright by his first wife, Patience Holt, was born at Bolton, 19 Dec. 1755. He was brought up to his father's business, and received from him a mill at Bakewell. On his father's death he removed to Willersley. Possessing good business talents and habits of great punctuality, he carried on the extensive concerns which he inherited, with thorough success, and at his death was probably the richest commoner in England. He was specially careful of the health of his workpeople, and introduced into his mills improved methods of warming and ventilating. From the Horticultural Society he received a medal for a new method of cultivating grapes. In 1780 he married Mary, daughter of Adam Simpson of Bonsall, by whom he had six sons and five daughters. He died at Willersley on 23 April 1843.
[Gent. Mag. new series, xix. 655-7; Annual Register, lxxxv. 252-3.]