| Administrative History | Richard Arkwright was born in Lancashire but made his reputation first in Nottingham and then in Cromford as a cotton spinner and manufacturer. His connection with Cromford began in August 1771 when with his partners he leased land in the parish for a mill. Despite legal and patent disputes, the business continued to flourish, encouraging Arkwright to build Masson Mill in Cromford near to the site of his original mill. In 1786 Arkwright was knighted and in the following year, 1787, he served as high sheriff of Derbyshire. When he died at his home in Cromford in August 1792, he was worth a fortune. |
| Custodial History | The facsimile was donated anonymously to the Record Office in December 2004 |