× Information on this section of ECOLEX comes from the InforMEA Portal which compiled information from MEA Secretariats with the support of the European Union. The accuracy of the information displayed is the responsibility of the originating data source. In case of discrepancy the information as displayed on the respective MEA website prevails. Derwent Valley Mills (United Kingdom) Document type Decision Reference number X.A Date Dec 11, 2001 SourceUNEP, InforMEA Status Active Subject Wild species & ecosystems Treaty Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972) Meeting 25e session du Comité Website whc.unesco.org Abstract Property: Derwent Valley Mills Id. N°: 1030 State Party: United Kingdom Criteria: C (ii) (iv) The Committee inscribed the Derwent Valley Mills on the World Heritage List under criteria (ii) and (iv): Criterion (ii): The Derwent Valley saw the birth of the factory system, when new types of building were erected to house the new technology for spinning cotton developed by Richard Arkwright in the early 19th century. Criterion (iv): In the Derwent Valley for the first time there was large-scale industrial production in a hitherto rural landscape. The need to provide housing and other facilities for workers and managers resulted in the creation of the first modern industrial towns.