Buxton Museum & Art Gallery
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
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
Woodland Wharf
The original part of John Smedley’s mill was built by Peter Nightingale in 1783, who also owned the woods you are walking through. Workers harvested wood from here to make fuel for the Nightingale’s lead smelters, which enabled the family to make their fortune. [Read more…] about Patent Rivalry
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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.