Raw cotton was imported to Britain in large quantities, and the finished products were exported to world markets.
Click on the sections below to find out about advertising, patents and brands, broad aspects of the cotton trade and the important role played by Exchanges and other places of cotton commerce.

	The cotton industry was a competitive place and advertising was essential. In this section there are examples of cotton advertising, publicity, promotion and brochures. More on Advertising			Protecting inventions and successfully branding products were essential. Inventors like Samuel Crompton lost a fortune through failing to apply for a patent. More on Patents & branding

Free trade allowing the unregulated movement of cotton commodities and services began in Manchester in the 19th century. Britain became leader of world cotton trade. More on Cotton trading

Textile trading markets known as exchanges played key roles in marketing and sales of cotton and provided meeting places for cotton manufacturers and merchants . More on Exchanges