What impact did Arkwright and his family have upon the people and the village of Cromford?

Richard Arkwright Born 1732, 13 th child of a Preston tailor Apprenticed to a barber & wigmaker 1786 worked with John Kay 1771 built mill at Cromford 1786 knighted 1792 died – one of richest men in England

Changes in Population First Mill built in 1771 by Arkwright

Cromford before Arkwright Evidence exists of a small settlement next to the Derwent

Before Arkwright Inhabitants were few in number Most were lead miners Others would have been farmers Cottage (now used as a shed!) gives idea of homes

A typical lead mine As seen above lead mining was dangerous and difficult

Mine Manager’s House The manager and his family would have the top floor while his animals lived downstairs!

Arkwright was the first factory builder to provide a whole community for his workers with shops, houses, and even a pub!

North Street The Arkwrights provided well built houses for their workers as this picture of North Street shows. Top floor would have been for the weavers

The School This primary school was built by Richard Arkwright jnr in There was no compulsory schooling until 1870

Centre of the Village Arkwright built shops and a place for traders to come every week.

The Greyhound Hotel was built to accommodate visitors to Cromford

Shops in Cromford

Arkwright encouraged traders to bring goods to Cromford. Those who brought the best quality items or the best value were rewarded with good prizes.

The Mill Pond A notable change to the village was the digging of 3 large ponds These were to store water for the mills in case there was a problem

Arkwright and the workers There were two 12 hour shifts in the factories Arkwright employed children (over 9 years old) and women Good workers were rewarded with pigs and cows Arkwright provided food and drink on special occasions He provided health care (most unusual for the time!)