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Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

Wigwell Aqueduct

22nd January 2019 by

landscape with three arches of aqueduct over the river

Cromford Canal opened in the 1790s. It was a vital transport connection from the mills and industrial villages to the rest of the country. Although it followed the river valley, it was challenging terrain for the canal engineers. Wigwell aqueduct is one of three between Cromford and Langley Mill. Boats also had to navigate 14 locks and four tunnels in the 14 miles. [Read more…] about Wigwell Aqueduct

Leawood Pumphouse

22nd January 2019 by

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.

Ackerdock Cottage

22nd January 2019 by

Historic image of man collecting water in buckets with yolke.
Mrs Ivy Turberville recalls how drinking water for ‘Ackerdock’ cottage came from nearby springs. “Just by the back door were nails that our yokes hung on ready to help us carry the pails of water.” The last resident, Mr Bowler still collected water this way up till 1970.

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

Schools of the Peak – Museum Challenge

4th May 2018 by

Has your school been learning about the history, geology or art of the Peak District?

Use this challenge to upload and share your work; from stories and articles to photography and artwork.

For more information, or inspiration, e-mail buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Masson Mills

12th December 2017 by

Masson by George Robertson, for Derby China (Derby Museum and Art Gallery)
Masson by George Robertson, for Derby China (Derby Museum and Art Gallery)

 

Masson pre-1910
Masson pre-1910

 

Masson wheel pre 1910
Masson wheel pre 1910

Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills were established in 1783 and in continuous use until 1991.  Today you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age when you visit the working textile museum.

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 Masson Mills here.

You can also find out what else there is to see and do at Masson Mills here.

 

Scarthin Rock & Rock House, Cromford

11th December 2017 by

View from Scarthin Rock
View from Scarthin Rock

You need to climb about fifty steps and you will have a good view of the Mill Yard on your left hand side. The five storey building was Richard Arkwright’s third mill on this site, dated 1785. It now houses the Visitor Centre and Cromford Creative. To the right of this mill is Arkwright’s 1771 mill, the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill. You can hear the sound of water still passing through the site. The visible three storey buildings were warehouses.

Rock House in 1924
Rock House in 1924
Rock House from Scarthin Rock around 1980
Rock House from Scarthin Rock around 1980

Above the warehouses you can see Rock House on the hillside. This is where Arkwright lived until his death in 1792.

[Read more…] about Scarthin Rock & Rock House, Cromford

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