PROFILE

Only two miles from the centre of Derby. The old village of Darley Abbey is most impressive when approached along the western side of the River Derwent. The village itself is full of interest, since the Evans family, between 1782 and 1840, transformed it from a quiet little backwater. Today, it holds an essential place in the industrial history of this country.

Few traces remain of Darley Abbey. It was founded in about 1140 and later became the richest and most powerful abbey in Derbyshire. Its land and properties covered an extensive area not only in Derbyshire but also in Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire.

Most of the buildings of the once-proud monastery were destroyed within two years of the passing of the Dissolution of the Monasteries Act in 1538. The only survivors were the building on Darley Street now converted into a public house. Also, some stonework to houses in Abbey Lane and a burial ground beneath Hill Square.

Water was the driving force and power of the River Derwent. In the 1730s four mills, a paper mill, a corn mill, a fulling mill and a leather mill were in existence. All powered by the River Derwent.

Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

Today Darley Abbey forms part of The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Because of the pioneering work of the Evans family. Thomas Evans, born in 1723 and educated at Cambridge University, was the driving force. His enterprise produced great wealth and considerable influence for the family. He expanded the family business and became a leading industrialist. In 1771, he entered into a partnership with Samuel Crompton and formed the Crompton and Evans Bank. Both Sir Richard Arkwright and Jedediah Strutt were customers of the bank. It later became known as Thomas Evans and Son’s Bank when Samuel Crompton lost interest.

Development

The Boar’s Head Cotton Mill, on the east bank of the River Derwent. Founded by Thomas Evans was one of the most important industrial enterprises, in an age of great innovation and progress. The boar’s head trademark, that Evans used to market his thread. Achieved recognition in many of the parts of the world that he traded, as a symbol of quality.

Following the construction of the first cotton mill in 1783, extensions took place at regular intervals. The mill complex eventually comprising of five main mills, and an assortment of sheds. Where dyeing and drying took place. Other buildings on the site were used for offices, stabling and domestic purposes. A weir was constructed diagonally across the Derwent to control the flow of the river and a bridge was built to link the village and mills.

Labour Force

All this industrial development required a substantial labour force. The Evans family set about the task of acquiring and maintaining sufficient people to meet the growing demand for labour. This was no easy task as many framework knitters blamed the factory system for taking away their livelihood and independence. There was also suspicion about the working conditions in factories.

Generous inducements were offered to potential workers. In the form of above-average wages and new well-built brick houses, together with a parcel of land and a cow. The houses were mostly three storeys in height. The first phase was built at Flat Square, Hill Square, Brick Row and the upper part of Mile Ash Lane. About ten years later a second phase was added. In New Road and Lavender Row and finally, by the 1870s, the lower part of Mile Ash Lane. The four houses in Mile Ash Road. Built during the early 1790s, are the oldest surviving examples of cluster houses. As they are joined side-to-side and back-to-back.

Apart from providing houses, the Evans family had an elegantly designed school built. It had spacious classrooms, well-lit by large windows. With a handsome clock set high on the front wall. They also built St Matthew’s Church. Provided a playing field for the village and bathing facilities on the riverbank. Also, a free medical service, as well as an, organised carnival at Whitsuntide.

The Evans family

Thomas Evans had Darley House built-in 1783. But, it was demolished in the 1930s and the only building that remains is the Gate Keeper’s Lodge.  In 1844, the Evans family moved to Darley Hall. Built by Alderman William Woolley over one hundred years previously. However, the era ended in 1929 with the death of Ada Evans, the widow of Walter Evans. As a result, the estate was broken up and the village of Darley Abbey went into decline.

Modern Times

In the 21st century, the old village of Darley Abbey is regarded as a desirable place to live. The mills built by Thomas Evans, on the east bank of the Derwent, remain largely intact. Although no longer used for cotton spinning, they are used for a diverse range of purposes. There is a small café and ‘Darleys’ a smart riverside restaurant.

At the end of summer each year, Darley Park plays host to the largest free open-air concert in Europe. Around 30,000 people attend an evening of classical music followed by a spectacular firework display.