If we had been at Chatsworth on 2 March 1846, an important businessman would have been signing our Visitors’ Book. His name was John Smedley and the firm which bears his name still exists today.

The textile manufacturer called Lea Mills was founded in 1784 by Smedley’s father, who was also called John, and Peter Nightingale, a relative of Florence, the famous nurse. At first the mill specialised in the production of muslin and cotton. By the end of the 18th century it had branched out into knitting and hosiery manufacture. This was, of course, the time when Richard Arkwright was pioneering the factory system at nearby Cromford, when Britain led the way in the Industrial Revolution.

John Smedley the elder came to be running the business alone, though the Nightingales retained an interest. John the Younger, our visitor to Chatsworth, was born in 1803. He started work as an apprentice in 1819. In 1825 he took over the running of the mill and began expanding its operations. He started producing a wide range of finished garments, mainly in wool, rather than only weaving cloth. His business thrived and Smedley grew rich. In 1847 he married Caroline Howard, a daughter of the vicar of Wirksworth.

Smedley became interested in hydrotherapy, a broad range of treatments that use water for pain relief and treatment. This resulted in him building Smedley’s Hydro in Matlock. Work began in 1867. The Dukes of Devonshire had long been interested in hydrotherapy and had built the Crescent and the Devonshire Hospital in Buxton. Guests at Smedley’s Hydro included Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, Sir Thomas Beecham, the famous conductor, and Ivor Novello the composer. Today it serves as the County Hall for Derbyshire.

In 1862 Smedley began to construct a neo-Gothic building, Riber Castle at Matlock, as a home for himself and his family. After their deaths it had a chequered history as a school, a zoo and as an empty shell, but is now being converted into apartments.

John Smedley died in 1874 but his legacy lives on. During the late 20th century many of Britain’s manufacturing industries were lost. The firm of John Smedley is still operating from Derbyshire today. It specialises in knitwear but also produces cotton garments.

Visitor book entry from John Smedley, 1846