Samuel Crompton was born at Fitwood Fold in 1753 and his family move to Hall i'th' Wood, when he was five, to take the tenancy.  His family were farmers and cotton manufacturers and his frustration at hand spinning led to his famous invention. 

He moved from Hall i'th' Wood later in his life and it was in a state of disrepair in 1899 when William Lever bought the hall and gave it to the town of Bolton. 

Today visitors can see many items that once belonged to Samuel Crompton and visit the room where he created the mule.