Established in 1771, Arkwright’s Mill at Cromford (just south of Matlock Bath) is recognised as an internationally important site of the Industrial Revolution. It was the world’s first successful cotton spinning mill that was based on water power. Arkwright became known as the ‘Father of the factory system’ and built much of the village of Cromford in order to house the workforce of his mill. The mill was enlarged in 1776 and by 1790, the main buildings had been completed. All but two of these have survived to the present day. All was trouble free at the mill for about 50 years or so, but declining fortunes meant that parts of the mill were put to other uses. The entire site was bought in the 1920′s by a paint pigments manufacturer, which continued at the mill until 1979. When the Cromford Colour Company had moved out, the local authority reckoned that it was now unimportant as it had been extensively altered by the modern activities. Luckily, once the new buildings had been removed, research persuaded the authorities that it was indeed still of interest, phew! It is now grade I listed and also is part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. A nice little kick in the teeth for the planners of the 80s who just wanted to destroy it all. Unfortunately, in recent times, a further part of the mill was destroyed when an idiot in a truck tried to drive his high vehicle under the cast iron aqueduct which supplied part of the mill – he failed and the cost to the nation was the destruction of a piece of industrial history.
The site was bought by the Arkwright society who have made a fine job of renovating the mill. During the renovations, many of the water courses from the 1776 mill have been rediscovered. It now houses a visitor centre, several shops and offices, conference rooms, educational facilities and a light and airy tea room.
Cromford Canal
For more details of opening times, tours, educational visits and prices, visit the web site for Arkwright’s Mill click here or contact the Arkwright Society as follows:
The Arkwright Society,
Cromford Mill,
Cromford,
Derbyshire
DE4 3RQ
Tel: +44 (0) 1629 824297 Fax: +44 (0) 1629 823256
Other Richard Arkwright related attractions are Masson Mills (shopping and museum), Willersley Castle (retreat for a religious group), the nearby Church and a lot of the housing in Cromford.
Cromford
It is well worth visiting the Boat Inn, adjacent to the millpond where you get good beers (hand pumped cask ales) and a friendly atmosphere. Scarthin Books is a fascinating place, packed from floor to ceiling with new, used and rare books (they have a small tea room as well!).