Strutts of Belper

Of the founding companies of the English Sewing Cotton Company, Strutt's of Belper was one of the oldest. The first mill was built in Belper in 1776, predating even Dewhurst's.

Jedediah Strutt was born on a farm in South Normanton, located in that borderland of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire that specialised in hosiery. He invented a ribbing machine for stocking making and took it to Derby. Here, he met a man named Need and went into business with him. This turned out to be a successful venture and they decided to back a man named Arkwright...yes, THAT Arkwright! Obviously,  this was in turn a tremendous venture and between them they constructed the Derwent Valley mills at Cromford, Belper and Milford. Need retired, and in 1780, Strutt and Arkwright amicably went their separate ways, with Arkwright taking Cromford and Strutt taking Belper and Milford. 

Strutt's business went to his 3 sons on his death, who built up a sound and respected company. Of course, the original mill in Belper burned down - just as the Dewhursts one in Skipton did - see previous blogs for information about this occupational hazard. As with the Skipton mill, it was rebuilt very quickly and this time, the Strutts did their best to make it fireproof with cast iron columns and beams and brick floors. Employees were treated well, with the company building schools and leisure facilities.

When the ESCC was formed in 1897, the company was being run by George Herbert Strutt and he was the first Treasurer of the combine. 1500 people were employed across the 2 sites and in 1912, Belper East Mill was constructed (the original being referred to as North Mill).  When Ardern's mill in Stockport was turned over to the production of ESCC packaging, Belper took on the manufacture of the famous Ardern's Star Sylko embroidery thread. They also made the Ermen & Roby branded thread for shoemakers and yarn for use in the manufacture of telephone and electronic goods.

Production continued until 1991. A small museum was set up in the ground floor and basement of North Mill, which I was able to visit a few years ago. I don’t remember seeing any ESCC references however. Unfortunately due to council funding cuts this museum has now closed. The responsible group still maintain a website and you can tour the museum virtually here.  https://www.belpernorthmill.org.uk/

Click here to browse my books and downloads on 20th century icons

If you'd like me to talk to your group about the English Sewing Cotton Company and you're based in North Derbyshire,  North Nottinghamshire or Sheffield area, you can find me on Facebook - search for SewSylko/Sarah Miller Walters. 

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