Updated 22 Jan 2007

WIRKSWORTH Parish Records 1600-1900

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One of the waterwheels which provided power for the First Mill

Waterwheel, Arkwright's First Mill, Cromford

Sir Richard Arkwright built his First Mill on the Cromford site in 1771. Early pictures of it show that it had five floors, well lit by windows along its length. In the mid 1780's the building was extended to its present length (the vertical joint towards the right of the mill is clearly visible). Two new waterwheels were added, one facing the cliff, and the other under the aquaduct. These wheels were destroyed long ago and between the Wars the upper two storeys of the building were removed after a serious fire.

To make the most economical use of the water the machinery was driven night and day. There was insufficient water to drive all the machinery at the same time, so the spinning went on at night and the preparation such as carding, combing, roving etc. was done in the day. William Bray visited Cromford around 1776 and said that the mill employed about 200 persons, chiefly children, who worked "by turns night and day", each shift worked for 12 hours.

The waterwheel shown was an overshot wheel. Water was supplied at the top, and fell down, turning the wheel. Water was taken from the Cromford Sough, where it was collected by a Dam. From the Dam, an iron aquaduct ran to the top of this wheel. Used water was then led to a basin, and then to the River Derwent, Cromford Meadows or to Cromford Canal.

In August 1771 Richard Arkwright and his partners signed a lease to the land and waterrights they needed to establish mills at Cromford. The partners must have worked quickly for the shell of the First Mill was practically complete by December 1771

Besides providing a building, Arkwright had to find a labour force to operate his machines. Part of his labour force was supplied locally - from the lead mining and farming families. In December 1771 an advert appeared in the Derby Mercury asking for skilled workmen from further afield.

Derby Mercury 1771 Cotton Mill, Cromford, 10 Dec 1771 WANTED immediately, two Journeymen Clock-Makers, or others that understand Tooth and Pinion well: Also a Smith that can forge and file. - Likewise two Wood Turners that have been accustomed to Wheel-making, Spoke-turning &c. Weavers residing in this neighbourhood, by applying at the Mill, may have good Work. There is Employment at the above Place, for Women, Children, &c, and good wages. N.B. A Quantity of Box Wood is wanted: Any Persons whom the above may suit, will be treated with by Messrs Arkwright and Co. at the Mill, or Mr Strutt, in Derby

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