Arkwright’s Cromford Mill is today recognised as an internationally important site of the industrial revolution and was established in 1771. It was the world’s first successful cotton spinning mill based on waterpower and Arkwright became known as ‘The father of the factory system’ and build the village of Cromford, so that his workforce could be housed in cottages close by. The mill was enlarged in 1776 and all but two have survived until the present day. Recently renovated, following its purchase by the Arkwright Society, many of the watercourses from the 1776 mill have been rediscovered and today visitors can see the history in the popular visitor centre, where there are several shops, excellent educational facilities and a tearooms.
Caudwell’s Mill and crafts centre is based at Rowsley, 4 miles from Matlock. It is situated in a stunning location by the River Wye. A mill has stood in that location since at least the 16th century, but today’s mill was founded in 1874 and produced flour using the water powered turbines, for 104 years. Visitors today can see the mill working today, although sadly it no longer produces flour. There are several craft shops with working artists, a gift shop and a vegetarian cafe open almost every day of the year, w eather permitting.
Nine Ladies Stone Circle is 4 miles from Matlock, on Stanton Moor just above Rowsley. It is an early Bronze Age circle, measuring 15 m across, with the local legend that nine ladies danced on a Sunday, and were turned to stone because of it. Set amongst stunning heather moorland and silver birch copses, the stone circle is popular with local pagans.
Hob Hurst’s house is a Bronze Age barrow on Beeley Moor, 8 miles from Matlock. It is unique in that instead of the normal round shape, this barrow is rectangular and was originally made with 13 stones but only five remain today. It’s an impressive sights set in spectacular scenery, and the square central mound, ditch and outer bank, was named after a local, mythical hobgoblin, who was said to haunt the nearby woods. The barrow was excavated in 1853, and the dig found a stone lined grave containing some scorched human bones and some lead ore.
Sherwood Foresters Memorial Tower is in Crich, 5 miles from Matlock. The War Memorial Tower was erected in 1923 to the memory of the 11,409 men of the Sherwood Foresters, who died during the First World War. The foresters were a regiment of the counties of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and were recruited from these two counties to make them into one of the nation’s most famous regiments.
Crich Tramway Museum is a family friendly environment and an independent educational charity, 5 miles from Matlock. It is set within Crich Tramway Village, a period village containing a pub, cafe, old-style sweetshop, and the tram depots. There is a lovely woodland walk and visitors are transported 1 mile out of the countryside and back, aboard the varied fleet of trams.