Derwent Valley Mills

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In 1772, Richard Arkwright opened the first of his Derwent Valley mills in Cromford. Utilizing his patented water frame and the recently-invented flying shuttle, he was able to able to run the mill non-stop, breaking the work into two twelve-hour shifts. Because rural Cromford didn’t have enough people to operate the factory, Arkwright also built housing to attract workers, mostly women and children, the youngest being just 7 years old. This system spread throughout Britain, and reached the US, making Arkwright the richest untitled person in Britain by the time he died in 1792. The mill continued to produce cotton into the mid 19th century before being repurposed and altered. Today, the UNESCO-listed industrial complex gives visitors a glimpse into the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution through its historic buildings, interactive displays, and even a presentation by Sir Richard Arkwright himself.