Here is a mystery from Cromford in Derbyshire. This
mill, (3175) at the head of Cromford Pond, is where
the locally mined barytes were ground to make powder
used in the manufacture of paint.
The waterwheel dates from the middle of the 19th
century and was supplied by water from the corn mill
dam before being discharged into Cromford Pond,
which in turn is part of the water supply for
Arkwright’s Cromford Mills. The waterwheel has been
described as overshot, but I think it is backshot
(2589); however, in that case why are there splash
marks (2588) on the wall above the tailrace? The
mill buildings are now occupied by Home Products
Basketware.
3175
