A history of Matlock’s fascinating Lumsdale valley. The authors tell the story of the “hidden valley” and its industries from 17th century lead smelting through cotton spinning and bleaching to its decline into picturesque decay. With insights into the lives of its more colourful mill owners and the implications of its recent discovery as a visitor attraction.
Lumsdale: The Industrial Revolution in a Derbyshire Valley
It is based on meticulous research which sheds light not only on the various industries which operated in Lumsdale but also provides a microcosm of the industrial revolution itself. The evolution of lead smelting, the evidence of corn milling and wool fulling, the funding of the cotton mills, grinding barytes for paint, and the rise and fall of the bleaching mills all reveal a complex industrial history.
The book provides insights into the lives of its more colourful mill owners, and reviews the implications of its recent discovery as a visitor attraction.