Buxton Museum & Art Gallery
Before the war there were few pubs run by women. However, the authorities, with some reservations, now allowed transfers to wives of servicemen. When Walter Bednall, the landlord of the Woodlark, joined the army, most likely conscripted, in late 1916 or early 1917, the licence was transferred to his wife Frances.
When the husband returned after the war, the licence was normally transferred back to him. Sadly, Walter was one of the Derby landlords who never returned.
The Smedley family joined the move in the Derwent Valley towards the production of finished garments, rather than just fabric and thread. The Jay became a reliable symbol of luxury underwear, and ‘Long John’s’ undoubtedly originate from these factories. The industrial revolution marked the start of the growth of branding. Think about the brands you wear today- they are often more than just a mark of ownership and quality: what do they say about your identity?
Masson Mill was built in 1783 next to the River Derwent to take advantage of a greater water flow. It was the first of Arkwright’s mills to use the power of the river.
Initially the mill was powered by a single waterwheel until 1801. It was then replaced by two waterwheels which continued to generate power to keep the machines working throughout the 19th century. Turbines were installed in 1928.
The mill’s overall layout is very different to Arkwright’s mills at Cromford. The entrance and staircase are centrally located leaving production floors clear for the huge cotton spinning machines.
Today, engineering and technology advances are still relevant to Masson Mill. There are now turbines using the fast flowing river Derwent to make hydroelectric power for the Valley.
Over 200 years ago the canal was the main transport route connecting Cromford with the outside world. Not only did it carry goods but it was vital for communication – the broadband of its day. And we thought dial-up slow!
Within the wharf area there was a warehouse, a weighing machine, saw pit, counting houses, stables and a smithy. What other evidence of industry can you spot here? Look out for the crane on the end of the cafe building, used for loading goods.
Notice in the wide canal area where the canal splits for the two wharf sheds, there is an arched stone boat house. This was Arkwright’s private boathouse, at the bottom of his garden.
Housed inside this building is a powerful steam engine which powers an enormous water pump. On open days you can still experience the heat of the boilers, smell the grease and coal, and see the power of the wave as tonnes of water are pumped up from the river.
The canal was filled with water after it drained out of the lead mines and round Arkwright’s waterwheels. As the miners dug deeper, much to Arkwright’s aggravation, they opened a new sough that bypassed the mill and the canal. In 1849 the pump house opened – and was hard at work to stop the boats grounding.
Demands on water supply created numerous disputes in the Valley- it was so much in demand. Mill owners downstream who relied on the water power from the Derwent insisted the pump was only in action from 8pm Saturday t0 8pm Sunday when their mills were shut.
Aqueduct cottage was home to a lengthsman and his family. Before Peter Nightingale was given permission to build his branch of the canal, he had to agree to separate the Leawood Cut from Cromford Canal with a lock. It was the lengthsman’s job to operate the lock, as well as maintain his section of the canal. [Read more…] about Ackerdock Cottage