LEE, WILLIAM


Meaning of LEE, WILLIAM in English

born 1550?, Calverton, Nottinghamshire, Eng.

died 1610?, Paris, France

British inventor of the first knitting machine .

Lee's model (1589) was the only one employed for centuries, and its principle of operation remains in use. Elizabeth I twice denied him a patent because of her concern for the kingdom's hand knitters. With support from Henry IV of France, Lee later manufactured hosiery in Rouen.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.