Home Farm dates from 1604, and Broadbottom Hall from 1680, although deeds from 1330 show that William de Brodebothum left the land to his son Henry. The 19th century Hall and land is now Bostock Farm.
There was a 14th century waterpowered Corn Mill, and Moss Mill, an 18th century woollen mill which changed to cotton in the 19th century.
At Summerbottom there is a row of eighteenth century weavers' cottages; they had a communal top floor where the looms were stored.
Hodge Printworks started out as a woollen mill in 1798. In 1805 it was converted into a dyeworks. The dyed cloth was of such high quality that some pieces are still on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum. In 1986, a team of archaeologists excavated the dye vats.
Best Hill Mill was started in 1784 by John Marsland, but closed in 1884. The mill reopened early in the 20th century to make tape and webbing for use in World War I. It closed again in 1930.
Broad Mills was a collection of mills (factories), including a calico printing mill, run by the Sidebottom family. In 1860, there were 1200 people working there. In fire in the 1940s led to the mills' demolition. Lymefield Visitor Centre is close to the mills.
In 1842, the railway came to town, and a 120 ft high and 422 ft long viaduct over the River Etherow was constructed