3rd Year History Trip to Cromford

This week, the 3rd Year historians journeyed back in time to Cromford Mill nr Matlock Bath on Tuesday morning to experience life and work in and around the first successful mill in the world.

They toured the ancient buildings and gained an understanding that here, in the depths of rural Derbyshire, the first seeds of industrialisation began. Entrepreneurs across the world would copy Arkwright's first mill (built in 1771) and thus it was here that mass production, using water power, was first piloted. Exiting stuff! Next year we hope to go to Arkwright's second factory at Masson Mills, next door, and try on some costumes and actually see the machinery in action.

Thanks to Mrs Elvin and Mrs Brewster for helping run the trip so smoothly.

 Richard Mace