Lanark

Town in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, on the Clyde; population (2001) 8,300. New Lanark to the south, near the Falls of Clyde, was founded as a cotton-spinning centre and was developed as a ‘model community’ by Robert Owen and Richard Arkwright at the end of the 18th century, with the aim of providing decent conditions for workers and their families. Although there are a few light industries, the town is principally important for agricultural economies.

There is a golfcourse and a racecourse. Lanark was one of the four original royal burghs of Scotland created by David I. William Wallace once lived here, and later returned to burn the town and kill the English sheriff.

David Dale was originally in partnership with Richard Arkwright at New Lanark, but was replaced by Robert Owen after arguments with Arkwright.