Everyday Histories of Cromford: North Street Open Days

Come and celebrate 250 years of industrial transformation in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site with the Landmark Trust. Explore the Workers Housing on North Street with the Landmark Trust 2026 marks 250 years of the housing on North Street, Cromford. These houses were the first industrial housing in the world! The Landmark Trust are offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore one of these wonderful terrace cottages and explore daily life of the mill workers. Built to house workers at Richard Arkwright’s neighbouring water-powered cotton mills, these are a key part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The factory system introduced by Arkwright pioneered mass production and changed how people lived and worked forever. The house has three floors; ground floor kitchen and living, first floor sleeping and an attic where the framework knitting would have been carried out by the men purchasing spun cotton yarn from the mills where the women and children worked. The houses have steep stairs and a small garden and allotment space, designed for the workers to supplement their diets with fresh vegetables. Open Day entry The house will be open 10am-4pm on Satruday and Sunday for self-led visits with knowledgeable staff on hand. Due to the historic nature of our buildings we have a limited capacity for our Open Day events. North Street is a small property with narrow stairs. You may therefore be asked to wait a short time while other visitors finish their visit. Whilst booking is not essential, priority will be given to those who have booked in advance. Thank you for your co-operation. Making a donation to Landmark Trust The Landmark Trust is a building conservation charity that relies on donations to support its work. Over the past 60 years, public support has helped us rescue over 200 historic buildings and make them available for all to experience and enjoy. Your support by attending our events, booking a workshop, and making a donation allows us to continue to save buildings at risk and continue to maintain those already in our care. Your donation could help train the craftspeople needed to restore a future Landmark, offer opportunities for young people to experience history first-hand, or provide a charity with free Landmark stay for their service users through our 50 for Free scheme. Donations can be made when you book your Eventbrite ticket, at the event via contactless donation points, or after your visit via our website under Support. Behind the scenes at Cromford Mills 250 years since Arkwright’s 2nd Mill: Special for Heritage Open Days there’s chance to explore ‘behind the scenes’ at Cromford Mills. Find out about the daily life of the mill workers and discover how the site has been water-powered for 255 years! You’ll have chance to see the remains of Arkwright’s second mill on site which is 250 years old this year. Although only the foundations and wheel pit survive this layout and format of mills became the ‘template’ of efficiency and mass production that was copied around the world. There’s chance to explore the visitor centre and see Arkwright’s water frame and explore the interconnected lives of people around the world from the enslaved cotton workers in the Americas, to the families working in the mills. You can get behind the scenes to find out what’s happening with the redevelopment of Building 1 on site. Getting here Parking In consideration of residents please do not park on North Street. Car parking is available at Cromford Mills, Cromford Wharf (by the Cromford Canal) and in front of the Greyhound Hotel in the village centre. Parking is also available at nearby Masson Mills (Arkwright’s second mill complex) which has a working textile museum worth exploring. Food, drink and shopping Cromford village has a range of pubs, cafes and shops to explore. Cromford Mills also have a café in the mill yard and on Cromford Wharf at the start of the Cromford Canal as well as a range of shops and antiques. Travel Cromford has a train station and there are bus stops in the village and on the main A6 road. More information at: ‘Getting There’. Local walks Why not take a walk along the Cromford Canal, just one mile along the tow path are the world’s oldest railway workshops at High Peak Junction, Leawood Pumphouse built to move water into the canal from the River Derwent and Aqueduct Cottage a beautifully restored cottage on the Canal side. Accessibility North Street is a small property with steep stairs and steps between levels, that may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Unfortunately, there is no disabled parking available at this property. Mobility Scooter ‘trampers’ are available to hire from Cromford Mills and High Peak Junction. Public toilets are available at Cromford Mills. Registered assistance dogs only will be admitted to the Landmark property.