Mill and Warehouse Building, Cromford, Derbyshire
This five-storey building was built in 1785 to 1790. The four upper floors contained machinery for spinning. The ground floor provided storage for cotton bales. Arkwright’s concern for security is shown by the absence of windows on the ground floor. The end of the building held the staircase. Its curved shape may have avoided damage from carts as they turned into the mill yard. The mill also contained an internal lavatory column, which served each floor and a hot air heating system. To the right of the mill is the remains of a brick arched bridge which linked this building to another mill. The design of this factory can be compared with Masson’s Mill at Matlock Bath which was built in 1783. The whole complex is grade I listed.
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