Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

Description:

The international designation of the Derwent Valley Mills as a World Heritage Site is a recognition of the area as the birthplace of the factory system and its key role in the industrial revolution.

In the 18^th Century water power was successfully haressed for textile production, giving rise to a fascinating series of historic mill complexes, including some of the world’s first modern factories.

The site stretches 15 miles down the river valley from Matlock Bath to Derby.  Walkers who complete the Derwent Valley Heritage Way route can apply for a certificate of achievement via the Derwent Valley Mills website.

The Heritage Way offers magnificent scenery and wildlife, as well as heritage.  Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mill provided the true blueprint for factory production and was copied widely in many parts of Britain and other countries.  Other key sites include:

• Masson Mills
• Cromford Mill
• Willersley Castle
• Cromford
• St. Mary's Church
• High Peak Junction Workshops
• Leawood Pumphouse
• John Smedley's Mill
• Cromford Canal
• Belper River Gardens
• Strutt's North Mill
• Belper
• Milford
• Darley Abbey
• Darley Park
• The Silk Mill
• Derby Museum & Art Gallery

Derwent Valley World Heritage Arts also offers a series of arts activities, designed to bring history to life for people who live in, or in or visit the site.

The World Heritage Site can also be used as a great resource for learning and supports the National Curriculum.