The water tower and tank that served the Cromford & High Peak Railway and is located opposite the workshop at the bottom of the incline. The original assembly in this location appears to date from between 1878 and 1898, although the small size of the cast iron plates suggests the tank assembly may date from the first introduction of steam in the 1830’s. Water was one of the primary goods carried in water carriages on the Cromford & High Peak Railway, needed for both stationary and locomotive steam engines working the railway from 1833. A water supply was also needed for domestic and industrial consumers along the upper reaches of the porous lime stone uplands.
In December 2001, the Derwent Valley Mills in Derbyshire was inscribed on the World Heritage List. This international designation confirms the outstanding importance of the area as the birthplace of the factory system where in the 18th Century water power was successfully harnessed for textile production.
Find out more information about the history of Cromford Canal here
You can also find out what else there is to see and do along the Cromford Canal here