History Cromford

workers cottages in cromford, having weavers windows visible on top floors

it 1 of significant sites in development of industrial revolution. here, richard arkwright built cotton mill make use of water frame.

the gell family, local hopton landowners heavily involved in nearby wirksworth lead mining, had via gellia built connect cromford , grangemill in late 18th century.

some cottages , farm buildings pre-date arkwright s time, large part of village built house mill workers. provided shops, pubs, chapels , school.

the 20th century saw development of council , private housing. dene quarry, operated tarmac ltd production of aggregrates , roadstone, excavated south west of village 1942 onwards.

in december 2001 15-mile corridor masson mill in matlock bath silk mill in derby , including mills in cromford, milford, belper , darley abbey declared derwent valley mills world heritage site.