Cromford: World Heritage Site

Cromford is steeped in industrial history and often called the cradle of the industrial revolution. Before 1770, Cromford was little more than a cluster of cottages around an old packhorse bridge and a chapel where travellers gave thanks for a safe journey. All that was soon to change with the arrival of one man, Richard Arkwright. For his achievements, Arkwright is often called the father of the industrial revolution, and was knighted. St Marys church just below the mill was built in 1797 and contains Arkwrights tomb.

Cromford mill is now a world heritage site. Restoration of the old mill has been carried out by the Arkwright society which purchased the site in 1979.  It is one of only 28 World Heritage Sites in the UK. The mill is open everyday and attracts visitors from all over the world. Close by, on the A6 towards Matlock Bath is one of Arkwrights other mills Masson mill, built in 1783. It is still operated as a cotton spinning mill, though on a much smaller scale, the remainder now being a shopping centre.

There are 3 pubs in Cromford, one of which, the Greyhound Hotel (400m from cottage) was built by Arkwright, to house visitors to the mill and for the use by the local labour force. The other 2 are the Bell inn on North street (200m walk) and the Boat Inn (400m walk) on Scarthin lane, where there is also an excellent little bookshop. The pond behind the Greyhound was one of the impounding resevoirs that held water from Bonsall Brook but is now home to many swans and ducks.

Cromford is an excellent fly-fishing centre and great rock-climbing sites are nearby. The Cromford Steam Fair  is a popular annual event.

Cromford is a perfect base from which to explore the Peak District, For more details on local attractions click here.

External links:

Comprehensive Cromford website here

The official Peak District tourist board website here