Life in England changed under the explosion of the Industrial Revolution—first, water-powered mills replaced the hand looms. Weavers who had earned their living by weaving at home were put out of work and angrily marched against the mills, intent on destroying them. However, they failed to stop the progress of the emerging industrialization. Then steam engine revolutionized the mills and factories. The water-powered mills had difficulty keeping up, so industry began centering around cities rather than country streams.

As people sought work in villages by the mills and factories, housing became scarce. As a result, small cottages were divided to accommodate several families under very crowded conditions. Some found shelter in people’s attics and some even lived in cellars. The crowded situation resulted in unsanitary conditions, which fostered the rise and spread of epidemics and plagues.

Villages grew into cities as mills and factories sprung up along the streams used to power them. Stagecoaches began to run between larger cities to better facilitate the transportation of merchandise and people, but the roads were not suited for such traffic. Better roads were in dire need.

New farming methods were introduced, so agriculture began to flourish. Turnips were introduced to feed cattle during the winter months, which was a great benefit to the farmers, such as John and Ann.

George III was King of England, but he was not universally liked. Many thought he had blundered in handling the American Colonies, who were fighting for their independence. During all the changes, Hawkesbury and Horton, being farming communities rather than industrial centers, were left quite untouched.

John Richins was a freeman and purchased a tenure of land and a home in Horton. He was known as a yeoman, meaning a gentleman farmer with a small estate in the country. John moved to Horton some time between 1738 and 1744. Thomas and William were in their teens. After moving to Horton, a tragedy struck the family when John, the eldest son, died at the age of 21 years.

William became the apparent heir. He stayed at Horton and inherited his father’s property. He married Elizabeth (Betty), but we have not found the marriage entry to discover her maiden name. There were no children born to them and at his death in 1801, he left the property to his wife Betty. In his will he mentions the property that belonged to his father, John Richins, under the Lord and Lady of the Manor.