| Administrative History | Langley Mill Steel and Iron Works Company Ltd was incorporated in 1866, established by John Heaton (1818-1897), producing bar iron, rails and steel. In 1872 the business was purchased by John Beatson (1816-1881), an ironmaster with interests in Sheffield and Derby, with the intention that his son, John Sandford Beatson (1843-1891) would take responsibility for the business. John Sandford Beatson was however declared bankrupt in 1878. In 1879-1880 the Langley Mill business was offered for sale. At an auction in October 1880 no bid was made. In May 1881 a meeting of John Beatson's creditors was told that his financial difficulties were attributable to the Langley Mill business and liquidation was commenced. John Beatson died in August 1881. Further attempts to sell the business were made in the 1880s, with a sale of the equipment advertised in 1887. |
| Custodial History | Acquired by Derbyshire Record Office in 1990. A separate donation was received in July 2021. |