Leadership: Cromford Cotton Mill – Living and Working Environments around 1800

In Ratingen, the first factory on the European mainland is located: the cotton spinning mill Cromford, founded in 1783/84 by the Wuppertal merchant Johann Gottfried Brügelmann. This ensemble, consisting of workers' housing, an office, a factory, and the late Baroque manor house, marks the beginning of industrialization in Germany. The tour of the manor house highlights the life and work of an early industrial entrepreneurial family as well as the working conditions in the manor and the factory. A particular highlight is the demonstration of manual spinning techniques, which vividly shows how raw cotton is spun into yarn. Please note that the Hohe Fabrik has been closed since April 1, 2025, due to renovation work. However, the Cromford manor house remains open with attractive offers. During the renovation phase, admission is based on the principle of "pay what you want." Additional costs for guided tours and workshops are indicated in the ticket shop.