Cressbrook is a tremendously interesting place. Founded by the Victorian industrial benevolance of the McConnell family and built around a mill site first exploited by none other than Richard Arkwright himself, the village is less than 250 years old. The mill has gone bust three times in its history and closed as a trading concern in 1965. Since then it has been restored as luxury flats and occupies a prime position in Monsal Dale, at the head of Water-cum-jolly. The village is thriving community and still has it's own brass band. Village events are worth looking out for and are usually pretty memorable occasions. The history of the village was recently recorded in the book 'Behind The View', which was awarded the Friends of the Peak District Book of the Year in 2006. The book is available to buy from the Cressbrook community Group.