Cotton links

These photos of Belper North Mill remind us of the role cotton, its processing, spinning and weaving plays in our lives, especially in this part of the world. Not only do we dress ourselves in the fabric, but it has shaped our working lives, the landscape around us and our present day appreciation of heritage. Living in this area of Derbyshire, with its grand houses and limestone scenery, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have a rural past. Sheep and their lovely lambs are grazing in the fields,and where there aren't sheep there are cows and calves. The Old House Museum was once the property of Sir Richard Arkwright, who developed this part of Bakewell as mill workers' cottages, dividing the building into six small dwellings. His mill was at Lumford, and you can discover more about this period of Bakewell's history when you visit the Museum. So alongside a fantastic textile and costume collection, donated by local families and individuals, there are also links to cotton through the industrial revolution, social housing and the Arkwright family. This season's special exhibition is all about cotton and clothing. If you are curious about how this raw material was processed and manufactured in the area, take a trip down the A6 following the River Derwent. The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site runs from Matlock Bath to Derby. It was designated by UNESCO in 2001. Belper North Mill was built by the Strutt family, also responsible for so much of Belper's attractive early 19thc housing. As philanthropic employers they helped make the town the pleasant place it is today. They also developed cotton spinning, the rib that holds up your socks, the factory system and the building technology that made skyscrapers possible! Explore the world on your doorstep!