Cromford

Although at first sight not a ‘pretty’ village, Cromford does have a charm of its own, with plenty to surprise and please the visitor. It was here in 1771 that Sir Richard Arkwright started to build Cromford Mill, the world’s first successful water-powered spinning mill. Though some of the buildings predate Arkwright, he also built a new town round the mll, providing decent housing and other amenities for his workers, such as an inn, shops, a school and a village lock-up for miscreants. In this respect, Cromford became possibly the first purpose-built industrial town in the world.

The area Arkwright had chosen for his mill was prfect. The River Derwent described by Daniel Defoe as  ‘a fury of a river’, provided an ample power supply; there was an unorganised but very willing workforce, as the lead mining industry was experiencing a decline, and probably most importanty, Cromford was away from the prying eyes of Arkwright’s competitors. In 1792 he commissioned the building of the village church, where he now lies. The mill proved to be a great success and became the model for others both in Britain and abroad, earning Arkwright the accolade ‘Father of the Factory System’. His pioneering work and contributions to the great Industrial Age resulted in a knighthood in 1786, and one year later he became High Sheriff of Derbyshire. Cromford Mill was last in use as a Colour Works, but is now a Visitor Centre owned and run by the Arkwright Society, with a variety of shops and businesses occupying the old buildings. Tours of the mill and Cromford village are available throughout the year.

For lovers of waterways there is an opportunity, at Cromford Canal, to wander along the five-mile stretch of towpath to Ambergate. At Cromford Wharf there is a warehouse dating back to 1794, a counting house from the same year and a couple of canal cottages. The old Leawood Pumping Station, which transferred water from the River Derwent to the Cromford Canal, has been fully restored. Inside, the engine house is a preserved Cornish-type beam engine and is occasionally steamed up. Close by the Pump House is the Wigwell Aqueduct, (also known as the Derwent Aqueduct) dating from 1793, which carries the canal high over the River Derwent. It had to be rebuilt when it partially collapsed during construction.

The High Peak Tral, which stretches some 17-and-a-half miles up to Dowlow near Buxton, starts at Crmford and follows the track bed of the Cromford and High Peak Railway. First opened in 1880, the railway was built to connect the Cromord Canal with the Peak Forest Canal. It is somewhat reminiscent of a canal as it has long level sections interspersed with sharp inclines (instead of locks) and many of the stations are known as wharfs. After walking the trail it is not surprisng to learn that its chief engineer was really a canal builder! The railway was finally closed in 1967; the old stations are now car parks and picnic areas and there is an information office in theformer Hartington station signal box. Surfaced with clinker rather than limestone, the trail is suitable for walkers, cyclists and horses.

The Cromford Venture Centre is an ideal base for study visits, holidays, training and self-development courses. It offers self-catering accommodation for parties of up to 24 young people and four staff. It is run by the Arkwright Society in association with the Prince’s Trust, and is housed in a listed building.

“Celebrating Cromford”, is a weekend festival celebrating the village and the talents of the people who live there; it began in June 2005 and has become an annual event.