John Smedley is renowned throughout the world as a leader in the production of fine gauge knitwear products. Still family owned, the company continues to innovate while retaining the hand-crafted finishing techniques that have established its reputation for more than two centuries.

Peter Nightingale and his associate, John Smedley founded the company in 1784 at Lea Mills, Matlock, Derbyshire. Lea Bridge provided an ideal setting for the mill, as the brook that ran through the village provided motive power and a constant source of running water.

In its early days the mill specialised in the production of muslin and spinning cotton to send out to local cottages with hand frame looms.  Towards the end of the 18th century the company had extended its activities to include knitting and hosiery manufacture and by this time John Smedley was running the business alone, although the Nightingale family retained an interest in the property.

 These principles continue to be the cornerstone of the company’s success.  A growing and dedicated workforce was established, indeed younger generations of original John Smedley workers can still be found at the factory today.

The younger John Smedley also took a keen interest in philanthropy, including hydropathy – the treatment of illness with water, and established the Smedley Hydro in Matlock, patronised by visitors from all over the world.  He also built Riber Castle, the family home until 1880.

Upon his death in 1875,  the second John Smedley had no heir, thus the business was passed onto a third John- a cousin- J T Marsden-Smedley, who after his death in 1877 entrusted the company to his son, the fourth John B Marsden-Smedley.

He was to thrust the company expansion even further, remaining chairman for an impressive 70 years.

In January 2013, John Smedley received the Royal Warrant of Appointment from Her Majesty the Queen as ‘Manufacturer of Fine Knitwear’.