Pleasley Vale Mills,a cotton spinning mill was built in 1784 at Pleasley Forge on the River Meden, and came into operation in 1799. By 1801 the population as Pleasley was so small that children had to be employed, working long hours for little money. In 1941 part of the mill was cleared out to make room for British Small Arms company making anti-tank guns. Pleasley ceased operation as a working mill in 1987 and is today used for employment-creating activities. In the courtyard between Mill 1 and 2 the ghost of a man has been seen numerous times, while a ghostly male figure has been seen walking from the Dye House into Mill 2. A lady in black has also been seen walking past people and through the wall of the reception room.