
Scarthin, known for its glorious mill pond and backwater promenade, is now considered by many to be part of Cromford. However, Scarthin was originally a separate village, a community of mainly lead miners cottages built in a higgledy-piggledy fashion up the hillside, following the course of the old main road through Upperwood en route to Matlock. All that changed in the late 18th century when Richard Arkwright arrived in 1771 to build his empire!
The little village of Crunforde as it was known in the Domesday survey was a small but thriving community situated around the ford in the river Derwent about half a mile away. However, during the next 25 years or so Cromford was established and placed firmly on the map with the first ‘factory’ cotton mill and a purpose built workers estate village containing terraced houses, a school, pubs, shops and a church.
Centuries before Richard Arkwright constructed his famous cotton mill, water from Bonsall Brook which runs down off the hills to unite with the Derwent powered a succession of corn mills. In fact, in its short few miles distance there were no less than 7 mills recorded on this Via Gellia stream, ending with the wonderful ScarthinMill which still has a working 19th century water wheel, although The Water Milll buildings are now occupied by Home Products who sell an extensive range of baskets and wickerware
In 1815 a huge outcrop of rock was blasted away to create Scarthin Nick and to make a way through for the newly laid turnpike road which was later to become the A6.
Scarthin is well known for Scarthin Books, an extraordinary book shop situated on the promenade across the narrow road from the War Memorial which is inscribed with the names of the 9 men of Scarthin who died in the Great War and the 3 men of Scarthin who fell in the Second World War.
The pond from Water Mill is a surprisingly beautiful and tranquil place considering its near proximity to no less than three main roads. Sit for a while and watch the ducks, geese, swans and even kingfishers which dart about like iridescent jewels among the reeds and bullrushes.