On Thursday 21st May, join Jane Middleton Smith, Archivist at Smedley’s Lea Mills near Cromford. She will talk about the iconic Smedley “Folly” of Riber Castle, which stands dramatically overlooking Matlock.
John Smedley Junior was an apprentice at Lea Mills in 1819. In 1825 he took over the running of the mill and began expanding its operations from the production of muslins and cottons to a wide range of finished garments, mainly in wool. His business thrived and Smedley grew rich, travelling widely across Europe with his Wirksworth born wife Caroline.
Here John Smedley Junior visited many spas and became interested in ‘hydropathy’ , a broad range of treatments that use water for pain relief and treatment. He also visited many historic castles and houses, especially in Germany.
It is probably from these travels that John conceived the idea for Riber Castle, although ironically, Riber suffered a problem in getting water up the very steep high hill to the building.
Come and hear Jane tell the fascinating history behind this striking landmark, and gain new insight into one Derbyshire’s most talked-about hilltop buildings.
Tickets on sale on the Cromford Mill website for £6 in advance. Doors open for light refreshments at 7pm and talk will start at 7:30pm.