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Belper
Belper is found at the heart of the Derwent Valley, and played a significant part in the Industrial Revolution. The importance of the Belper mills and their historic industrial neighbours at Cromford, Darley Abbey and Derby was reflected by the World Heritage Site status given to the Derwent Valley Mills in December 2001. The Derwent Valley Visitor Centre situated in Strutt's North Mill at Bridgefoot was set up to reveal the history of the mills, cotton spinning and the town itself.
Trained guides take visitors to Strutt's North Mill around one of the finest exhibitions of historic cotton spinning machinery in the world - from cottage industry to factory system through the Spinning Jenny, Water Frame and Spinning Mule. A nailer's workshop housed within the mill depicts the town's earliest major industry, dating back to the time of the Norman Conquest. There are stockings on show, chevened by local women over a century ago - just part of a display on Belper's historic links to the hosiery industry.
During the industrial revolution the Strutts built the first industrial housing estate for their workers to encourage those with families to move to the area, and this is still to be seen in the town today. Close by is the mile-long stone-lined railway cutting - designed by George Stephenson - which has cut through the town since 1838. The Strutt family were benefactors to Belper and Milford for two centuries, providing for the workers' needs, and there are still many buildings to be seen in the town which were built for the people by the Strutts.
There have been settlers in the Belper section of the Derwent Valley for millenia, and many have left their mark on this. The hillside to the east is The Chevin, from the Celtic word Cefn, meaning ridge, and forms part of an ancient ridge-route used by Celts, Romans and Anglo Saxons. From the time of the Norman Conquest the town was part of the Duffield Frith, or Forest, which included a medieval deer park, now preserved as a nature reserve known as the Belper Parks, close to the town centre. The 750-year-old foresters' chapel, situated above the Parks, now houses a heritage centre.
Other attractions worthy of a visit in the town include the De Bradeley Mill shopping outlet, the antiques centre in Unity Mill on Derwent Street and the bird sanctuary along Wyver Lane . Telephone the Derwent Valley Visitor Centre at Strutt's North Mill on 01773 880474 for more details. The area around Belper is popular with all kinds of tourists and locals from nearby towns. Peak District walking and cycling is very popular with those wanted to enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscapes. Another great legacy to the town was the River Gardens, an Edwardian water garden by the Derwent which still features band concerts on alternate summer Sundays.
Belper is an interesting place to visit and for more information on places to stay please look at our holiday accommodation in the Peak District which features campsites and various hotels and self catering properties.
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