John Smedley

John Smedley

Derbyshire is a place of great heritage, spectacular natural beauty and is without a doubt, one of the jewels of the United Kingdom. It’s also the home of Lea Mills, the birthplace of one of Britain’s most opulent and well established brands – John Smedley.

Located in the picturesque village of Cromford, now nestled amongst many other industrial and residential sites, Lea Mills still stands - a little weathered and aged, but still maintaining the title of one of Britain’s leading textile manufacturers. Although times may have changed, through wars and two hundred years of history, the values Smedley first started with are still as important today as the moment they first started.

John Smedley Building at Lea Mills, Derbyshire 

© Photo: knittingindustry.com

Back in 1784, Lea Mills was just another industrial site, producing one of Britain’s most common exports – cotton. Operated by industrial duo Peter Nightingale, Great Uncle of Florence Nightingale, and John Smedley, the site was nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn’t until Smedley’s son, also named John, inherited the business, that the John Smedley brand was finally born.

Iconic John Smedley Label © Photo: Nancie Henry

By the end of the eighteenth century, Smedley had established itself as one of Britain’s finest knitwear and hosiery manufacturers. Founded on a principle of quality and expertise, Smedley are a brand true to their values and roots, still manufacturing with the same passion and quality over 225 years later.

With centuries of expertise under their belt, Smedley have grown, matured and simply improved with age; producing quaint, classic and timeless products with a seemingly contemporary edge. Made with the finest materials for hundreds of years, there is simply no better than a Smedley.

Luxury is noticeably prevalent throughout the brand’s exceptional products. Sea Island Cotton, unique for its fineness and strength was predominantly used in the lavish underwear collections. Extra Fine Merino Wool is now the main material used to make the reputable,
cherished knitwear that has made the brand so established.

From simple polo shirts, to everyday crew necks and jumpers to fit any occasion, Smedley’s pride and expertise is individually etched into each piece. The quality of the manufacturing, right down to the intricate stitching is effortlessly subtle, however always indescribably present when a Smedley is worn, as there is no better feeling than knowing you’re wearing the best. 

Hundreds of years have passed, but the quality, luxury and practicality of the beloved knitwear has not changed. Smedley still sticks to its roots and heritage, earning its place as Britain’s oldest and most established knitwear manufacturer.

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Cafe At Nancie

CAFE   at  NANCIE

We are extremely excited to announce that our new area of the store will be opening very soon.

Welcoming our customers to Cafe At Nancie!

The new addition to our store will welcome beautiful coffee, fragrant specialty teas and an array of new exciting dishes. Inspired by the stores use of simplistic and classic design, the cafe is a bright and luxurious haven, finished with a fantastic all glass balcony overlooking the grounds of Nancie Henry.

We look forward to seeing you arrive in store to browse our latest Spring - Summer 15 collections, then to finish your store visit with an espresso in the sun of our glass balcony.