Monument record MDR3085 - Cromford: Arkwright Industrial housing, North Street

Industrial Housing in Cromford shows many two and three storey terraces of the early 18th century eg Cromford Hill SK 292565-294568. the Market Place was built 1790. (1) North Street, built between 1771-76, by Richard Arkwright for his employees. North Street consists of two terraces of three storey dwellings, constructed of gritstone with square sectioned mullioned windows. The houses were of a high quality which surpassed much of the later housing associated with industrial settlements. The houses originally had framwork knitting rooms in the attics, and there were larger windows to illuminate these working areas, which have been largely blocked up; although the window openings can still be distinguished. At the east end of North Street, may be seen the school and associated schoolhouse, built in 1832 by Arkwrights son, it was enlarged during the 19th century. North Street is probably the earliest example of purpose built industrial housing in Derbyshire. (2)