Derwent Valley Mills History, Travel Information, Facts And More
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PERSONAL INFORMATION
NAME
Derwent Valley Mills
COUNTRY
United Kingdom
ADDRESS
Derbyshire, United Kingdom
DERWENT VALLEY MILLS PICTURE
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About Derwent Valley Mills
Derwent Valley Mills is an old water mill located in Derbyshire, England. The site is located near the River Derwent. It spread in an area of 12.3-kilometer squares. Water power was first used in Derby by John Lombe in 1719 to produce silk. The same process was used here to produce cotton. There were also houses for the mill workers. The owner also provided other amenities like chapel, schools, and markets to ensure the supply of workers. The mills declined in the early 19th century when the market shifted to Lancashire.
Some Lesser Known Facts About Derwent Valley Mills
- The Arkwright type mills were so popular at the time that many of his competitors adopted the system without giving any royalty to Richard Arkwright who developed this system to produce cotton uninterruptedly.
- Arkwright was popular as a paternalistic employer who also opened schools in the area. Though his son was not interested in the cotton business and stopped investing in the industry after the death of Richard Arkwright.
- It was the world's first factory system giving an idea to the world that how cotton can be produced at the lowest rate and could be made available at the market.
- The canal is also located near the site which was used as a means of transport. The Erewash Canal flowed from the River Trent to the Langley Mill. It was started in 1777 and is 14 miles long.
- Many of the mills are now became a museum and are open to the public.
- It is said that the noise of Comfort Mill situated in the area was that loud which could be heard three miles away at Matlock.
- Perhaps this mill system gave an idea to produce electricity. As the water power was used here to move the wheel which is same to move a turbine.
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