Smedley's Hydro entrance hall

Smedley's Hydro in Matlock, Derbyshire, was established by local industrialist, John Smedley, in 1853. It became the largest hydro in the country and a sister establishment was later built in Southport. During the Second World War the building was requisitioned and became a Military Intelligence training establishment. After the war the Hydro reopened but could not achieve the success it had previously experienced. In 1955 it was purchased by Derbyshire County Council and became the County Council Headquarters.