Arkwright's Mill, Cromford

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.