Osbaldeston, John 003

John Osbaldeston's grave in Saint Stephen's churchyard, Tockholes. 1987.rnOsbaldeston invented the the weft fork, a device which stopped the loom if a warp thread broke; thus enabling a hugh increase in the productivity of the weaver. His idea was not patented however, and Osbaldeston died penniless. The gravestone was erected by local subscription.