Lumsdale is one of the best examples of a water-powered industrial archaeological site in Great Britain and it is unusual to see such extensive use of water power in such a relatively small area.Part of the valley is now owned by the Arkwright Society and at least 7 mills remain, including a bleach works, all of which were powered by water from the Bentley Brook. By the 1600s there was at least 1 mill in operation, yet it was not until the late 18th century that the demand for water-power reached its height. Arkwright’s successes at Cromford attracted investment on a substantial scale and entrepreneurs fought for sites on which to build their own cotton mills. Subsequently the mills were put to various uses including cotton spinning, bleaching, and grinding corn, bone and minerals for paint manufacture. Cottages situated near one of the Valley’s ponds, were created from a single building which once housed 2lead cupolas with a counting house and smithy on the other side of the track. Industrial use of the site continued until the 1930s.As the buildings in the upper section of the valley fell out of use, they were abandoned and allowed to become derelict, until 1939 when it was bought and preserved by Marjorie Mills. Parking is limited to a layby near Highfields School.There is a volunteering opportunity associated with this site thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arkwright's Society.Check out the lovely Lumsdale Valley Leaflet!
