| Administrative History | Eagle Foundry [sic] was established in Becksitch Lane, Belper when three Smedley brothers started an iron foundry and engineering business in 1855. Alfred (1830-1905), James (1832-1905: died in New Zealand) and Frederick (1828-1893) were later joined by John (1837-1917) and Samuel (1835-1893: died in Canada). The firm specialised in the manufacture of edge runner grinding mills, but later diversified into the production of steam engines, boilers and lamp posts. The firm became a limited company in 1893. The foundry closed in 1970.
Members of the Smedley family also operated the Park foundry in Belper. |
| Custodial History | Acquired by Derbyshire Record Office in 1971 |