John Smedley 1803-1874 textile entrepreneur and champion of hydrotherapy. This building was his principal hydropathic hotel established 1853
Interestingly Smedley doesn't have his own Wikipedia entry although his father (also called John) does; and his son's biography is included in his entry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Smedley_%28industrialist%29Derbyshire County Council provide a biography here:
http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/news_events/news-updates/2013/march/news_items/blue_plaque_honour_for_the_man_who_made_matlock.aspThe story of the unveiling is covered on the John Smedley blog:
http://www.johnsmedley.com/blog/2013/03/06/john-smedley-blue-plaque/
