Other industrial history sites:
Belper Mill
High Peak Trail
Magpie Mine
Cottontimes - a must-visit comprehensive review of the industrial revolution, inventors, engineers, the workers and how they lived.
How to get here - Midland Mainline Peak Explorer tickets from as little as Ł19
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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 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. 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, educational facilities and a great tea room.
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Whilst in the area, do wander around 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!). Click on the image below to see Cromford area pictures.
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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
Cromford - a comprehensive and well put together web site about this important Derbyshire Village.
Coldharbour Mill - Working Wool Museum, in the Devon Heartland, houses an impressive array of working spinning and weaving machines, two mill engines and a 1910 Lancashire Boiler.
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