| Administrative History | The Arkwright family was much involved in textiles manufacturing in the 18th-19th century. Rock House in Cromford was the family home of the Arkwright family until they acquired Willersley Castle in 1782 to use as their main residence. Richard Arkwright died at Rock House in 1792, not living along enough to see Willersley Castle's completed renovation. In 1796 his son, Richard Arkwright Junior, moved from Rock House into the completed Willersley Castle. His son Peter Arkwright continued to live at Rock House until he inherited Willersley Castle in 1843. |
| Custodial History | This document was transferred from Derby Library in November 2003. |