Administrative History | In 1853 John Smedley purchased the Hydro on Matlock Bank started in 1851 by Ralph Davis. Over the next years, the Hydro expanded on its site in Smedley Street becoming, after its founder’s death in 1874, Smedley’s Hydropathic Co Ltd in 1875. These documents of title record the acquisition of lands and properties to meet the needs of the growing business. Capital for development was provided in substantial part by a loan from Crompton & Evans Bank, Derby. In 1956 the former Smedley’s Hydro became County Offices, the administrative Headquarters of Derbyshire County Council. These documents were transferred to the Record Office in 1975. Original bundles have been retained with a note of their former numbers. |
Custodial History | Acquired by Derbyshire Record Office in 1975 |