| Administrative History | The industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright (1732-1792) originally built St Mary’s Church, Cromford, as a private chapel. Arkwright was an Anglican and he discouraged the creation of places of worship for other denominations on his land. His son opened the church to public worship in 1797. Originally Sir Richard Arkwright was buried in Matlock Church but he was reburied in a vault in St Mary's. [www.search.revolutionaryplayers.org.uk]
The Arkwright St Mary's Church Cromford Trust was formed out of two other charities in 2001. The Charity of Richard Arkwright was founded by his will, which was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury on 24 May 1843. The Charity of James Charles Arkwright was founded by his will which was proved in the Principal Probate Registry on 7 July 1896. |
| Custodial History | These records were donated to Derbyshire Record Office in November 2005. |