DSCN2656 Lumsdale, Peak District National Park
The Lumsdale valley on the edge of Matlock is one of the best water-powered industrial archaeological sites in Great Britain:it is unusual to see so extensive a use of water power in such a relatively small area.
By the 17th century there was at least one mill in the upper part of the valley. By the early 18th century there were al least two mills – one grinding corn and the other fulling cloth. During the 18th century, two cupolas were smelting lead.
The mills were powered by water from the Bentley Brook, using a series of holding ponds and leats.
The Arkwright Society owns the land in the upper Lumsdale Valley on which are situated the mills, ponds, waterfalls and nature reserve. This area was scheduled as an ancient monument by Historic England in 2014.
DSCN2656 Lumsdale, Peak District National Park
The Lumsdale valley on the edge of Matlock is one of the best water-powered industrial archaeological sites in Great Britain:it is unusual to see so extensive a use of water power in such a relatively small area.
By the 17th century there was at least one mill in the upper part of the valley. By the early 18th century there were al least two mills – one grinding corn and the other fulling cloth. During the 18th century, two cupolas were smelting lead.
The mills were powered by water from the Bentley Brook, using a series of holding ponds and leats.
The Arkwright Society owns the land in the upper Lumsdale Valley on which are situated the mills, ponds, waterfalls and nature reserve. This area was scheduled as an ancient monument by Historic England in 2014.