Come and celebrate 250 years of industrial transformation in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Explore the Workers Housing on North Street with the Landmark Trust

2026 marks 250 years of the housing on North Street, Cromford. These houses were the first industrial housing in the world! The Landmark Trust are offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore one of these wonderful terrace cottages and explore daily life of the mill workers. Built to house workers at Richard Arkwright’s neighbouring water-powered cotton mills, these are a key part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The factory system introduced by Arkwright pioneered mass production and changed how people lived and worked forever.

The house has three floors; ground floor kitchen and living, first floor sleeping and an attic where the framework knitting would have been carried out by the men purchasing spun cotton yarn from the mills where the women and children worked. The houses have steep stairs and a small garden and allotment space, designed for the workers to supplement their diets with fresh vegetables.

Open Day entry

Due to the historic nature of our buildings we have a limited capacity for our Open Day events. North Street is a small property with narrow stairs. You may therefore be asked to wait a short time while other visitors finish their visit. Whilst booking is not essential, priority will be given to those who have booked in advance. Thank you for your co-operation.  Book at: North Street Open Days

Explore Cromford Primary School – Saturday 19th only 10am – 1pm

Cromford Primary School was built in 1832 – 1833 by Richard Arkwright Junior to educate the children working in his cotton mills. On Saturday 19th September from 10am – 1pm there’s chance to go inside the school hall. There will be opportunity to purchase cakes and refreshments and chance to view some of the creative work the children have done to explore the rich history of their community and celebrate 25 years of being part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Cromford Mills

As part of Heritage Open Days, there’s also plenty happening at Cromford Mills. Continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the building of Sir Richard Arkwright’s Second Mill and the first workers’ housing in Cromford at North Street with the ‘1776: When the Threads Came Together’ exhibition throughout the weekend. There will also be a Heritage Skills Day on Saturday 19th, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of traditional building crafts and conservation, and a special afternoon of music on Sunday 20th, featuring the Derby Cathedral Choir and culminating in a beautiful service of Evensong at St Mary’s Church.

Charged for pre-bookable tours of the mill and village will be available across the weekend from Cromford Mills. See Cromford Mills website for more information.