Our Partners

The development and growth of The Arkwright Society would not have been possible without the active support and funding from several organisations.

The Arkwright Society is not responsible for the content of external websites. Links to such sites open up in a new page.

Heritage Lottery Fund

Derbyshire County Council

Derbyshire Dales District Council

East Midlands Development Agency

English Heritage

Derbyshire Economic Partnership

Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

In December 2001, the Derwent Valley Mills in Derbyshire became inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

This international designation confirms the outstanding importance of the area as the birthplace of the factory system where in the 18th Century water power was successfully harnessed for textile production.

Stretching 15 miles down the river valley from Matlock Bath to Derby, the World Heritage Site contains a fascinating series of historic mill complexes, including some of the world's first 'modern' factories.

Details of the activities of the Derwent Valley Mills are available here.

Sir Richard Arkwright's Cromford Mill and the other sites of the Arkwright Society are key features of the Derwent Valley Mills. The Society works closely with the Derwent Valley Mills and takes an active part in the annual World Heritage Site Discovery Days week. Details of the 2010 event are available here.