Darley Abbey Mills

The sun was still shining after my visit to the hydrangeas in Darley Park, so I headed down to the river and slightly north to Darley Abbey Mills.

Now occupied by numerous businesses and a couple of restaurants, these mills are yet another reminder of 18th century industry in the Derwent valley; the most complete surviving cotton mill complex from that era. 

I feel that even today, and under a blue sky, they look rather grim and oppressive, so how would they have appeared when first built?

The weirs though look peaceful; a lovely place to stop and listen to the water.

 Back on the park side of the river the factory owners built accommodation for their workers. Probably crowded at the time, today it's a rather smart suburb of Derby with a definite 'village' feel to it,