were used to connect the shafts to individual machines. Processes Each of the mill's five floors housed different stages of the cotton spinning processes. Raw cotton bales were unloaded from carts at the ground floor loading bay. The opening and cleaning machines broke the bales down and prepared the cotton into 'lap' form which was taken to the third and fourth floor carding rooms, housing three rows of carding engines, over 130. Carding machines disentangle the cotton fibres to produce a long continuous 'sliver'. Sixteen drawing frames, sometimes called lantern frames, straightened the fibres and pulled the 'slivers' into 'rovings' putting in a slight twist so they were ready for spinning. The rovings were coiled into large cans which were taken to the first and second floor. Both the first and second floors originally housed thirty-four Arkwright water frames which spun 4236 ends simultaneously. This meant that 4236 rovings were continuously twisted together to become threads that were collected on small bobbins. Later mule spinning machines were introduced to produce finer thread types which were in demand. The bobbins were sent to the fifth floor. On the fifth floor, reeling frames wound the spun thread into 'skeins' ready for dyeing at a factory in Milford. Doubling frames twisted two or more single spun thread together to make thicker and stronger thread. The amount of twist imparted determined the thread's properties. The attic was later used as a schoolroom. Machinery Machinery contained in this mill:- 80 spinning frames with 4236 spindles each 136 carding engines 16 draw frames 4 stretching frames Plus reeling, doubling and twisting frames Hydro-electric plant In 1998 a hydro-electric power generator was installed in the mill, producing 350 kW of power. This consists of 2 x 175 kW grid-connected low head Gilkes water turbine sets. It was installed by Derwent Hydroelectric Power Limited. See also Grade I listed buildings in Derbyshire Listed buildings in Belper References External links Derwent Valley Visitor's Centre - official site Information and photos Textile mills in Derbyshire Museums in Derbyshire Industry museums in England Textile museums in the United Kingdom Cotton mills Textile mills completed in the 18th century Industrial Revolution in England Industrial buildings completed in 1804 Hydroelectric power stations in England Grade I listed buildings in Derbyshire Grade I listed industrial buildings Belper