Knitting machine from the 19th century on LEE model
William Lee was an English clergyman and inventor who devised the first stocking frame knitting machine in 1589, the only one in use for centuries. Its principle of operation remains in use. Although the industry took nearly a century to develop in wool, silk and lace, the machinery that he developed
remained the backbone for far longer and this is reflected in his appearance in the coat of arms of The Worshipful
Company of Framework Knitters.
Who-is-Who in MMS, History of machines, history of mechanical engineering, machine design, designer, inventor,.