Richard Arkwright's Mill at Cromford

Richard Arkwright, originally born in Preston, Lancashire, patented his spinning frame, known as the 'water frame' because of its use of water power in 1769, although a model was first used in 1765. The machinery was used to produce cotton thread and made the process much faster and easier than before. The thread it produced was stronger and harder then previous types, making it in high demand. These machines were used in Arkwright's factory in Cromford after a mill was built there in 1770.

This drawing shows the mill at Cromford as it looked in the early days of its production. It shows the whole complex of buildings, not just the main mill building.