Ten miles or so up the Derwent Valley from Duffield is Cromford, home to what is considered the world's first factory, where the industrial system was created by Sir Richard Arkwright in the 1770s. Today we visited this UNESCO World Heritage site, and the preserved canal and railway infrastructure surrounding it. Right: the mill race that powered the water wheels that drove the machines that spun the thread in the factory buildings behind - built over 235 years ago. Industry - source of the wealth of the British nation (well that plus slavery and empire).
Friday, 27 July 2007
First factory
Ten miles or so up the Derwent Valley from Duffield is Cromford, home to what is considered the world's first factory, where the industrial system was created by Sir Richard Arkwright in the 1770s. Today we visited this UNESCO World Heritage site, and the preserved canal and railway infrastructure surrounding it. Right: the mill race that powered the water wheels that drove the machines that spun the thread in the factory buildings behind - built over 235 years ago. Industry - source of the wealth of the British nation (well that plus slavery and empire).
hi Micheal, I've been reading your beautiful blog. I am a photographer from the US headed for 10 days starting in Warsaw; I'd love to ask you some questions. Can I email you? elmphotography@gmail.com
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