Built-up area in Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire, England
| Coordinates: | 53.106, -1.559 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SK 29 56 |
| Population: | 2,073 |
| Dialling code: | 01629 (Matlock) |
Cromford is a small village in the Derbyshire Dales district of Derbyshire, England, best known for Cromford Mill, built by Richard Arkwright in the 1770s as one of the first successful water‑powered cotton‑spinning mills. The mill and its associated housing, canals and workshops form the core of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and are a key illustration of the early Industrial Revolution.
Set in the steep-sided Derwent Valley beside the River Derwent and close to the Peak District National Park, Cromford combines striking industrial archaeology with a lively arts and tourism scene; small museums, craft businesses and walking routes make the village a popular stop for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and the local economy now mixes heritage conservation with creative and visitor-focused enterprises.