Belper

Civil Parish in Derbyshire Amber Valley

England

Belper

Belper is a civil parish located in the county of Derbyshire, England. Situated on the banks of the River Derwent, it lies approximately 8 miles north of Derby and has a population of around 23,000 people. The town is part of the Amber Valley district and falls within the parliamentary constituency of Mid Derbyshire.

Belper has a rich industrial heritage, with its history rooted in the cotton spinning and nail-making industries that flourished during the Industrial Revolution. The town's iconic North Mill, a former cotton mill, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a museum dedicated to the area's industrial past.

Today, Belper is a thriving community with a mix of residential, commercial, and retail areas. The town center boasts a range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as larger chain stores. The River Gardens, located along the riverbanks, provide a scenic area for relaxation and recreation.

Belper is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with various cultural events and festivals taking place throughout the year. The town hosts an annual arts festival, showcasing local talent in music, theater, and visual arts.

In terms of transportation, Belper is well-connected by road and rail. The A6 road runs through the town, providing easy access to surrounding areas, and the Belper railway station offers regular train services to Derby, Nottingham, and other nearby cities.

Overall, Belper offers a mix of historical charm, scenic beauty, and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live and visit in Derbyshire.

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Belper Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.000762/-1.480652 or Grid Reference SK3444. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

New houses, Cowhill

Belper is expanding, some new houses on Cowhill, to the southeast of the town.

Richard Webb

Bargate Rd, Belper

This is looking North West along Bargate Rd with the edge of Parks Estate to the right (an ancient deer park). A few hundred metres down the hill you can see over the township of Belper. This was the home of the Strutt family dynasty and their cotton mills.

Ian Tilley

Holy Trinity Church & War Memorial, Milford

Holy Trinity Church was built in 1848 at a cost of £2,000. The War Memorial was erected in 1926.

Garth Newton

Duffieldbank House from Duffieldbank

The land rises steeply on the east of the Derwent near Duffield. Duffieldbank House overlooks the river and enjoys views over the village of Duffield.

Mike Bardill

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Station

The railway between Duffield and Wirksworth was closed in the 1980s when the last freight trains ran from the quarries just north of Wirksworth. The line lay dormant for many years but has now been taken over by the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway group and has been reopened for preserved steam and diesel power. A new station has been provided as shown in the photo. The main line station lies just to the right of this photo - the preserved and main lines are no longer connected.

Mike Bardill

Duffield Castle

Duffield Castle is/was an 11th century stone motte and bailey fortress, founded by Henry de Ferrers, Earl of Derby. The castle was destroyed in the 13th century and not much survives other than a few areas of tarmac and concrete showing the outlines.

Mike Bardill

Chevinend

This track runs along a high ridge overlooking the Derwent valley just north of Duffield. Chevin golf course extends up onto the ridge and enjoys spectacular views over Duffield and down the valley to Derby.

Mike Bardill

Wall on Chevin Ridge

This wall is next to the track that leads over the Chevin ridge just north of Duffield. The wall is a very substantial construction but stands isolated and serves no obvious purpose. It has been suggested that it was once part of a firing range and the location at the end of a long narrow field seems to support this.

Mike Bardill

Quarry on Firestone Hill

This disused quarry is on the top of Firestone Hill - a high ridge overlooking the Derwent valley near Belper.

Mike Bardill

Site of Colour Works in Duffield

This is the site of the former colour works in Duffield. Now cleared and soon to be turned over the inevitable residential development by the look of the encroaching houses in the background.

Mike Bardill

Railway south of Belper

A train heads down the Derwent Valley towards Derby.

Stephen McKay

Sandbed Lane, Bargate

Looking towards Openwoodgate.

Stephen McKay

Holbrook Moor

Looking towards Bargate.

Stephen McKay

Stone terrace houses, Makeney

Terrace houses, overlooking the Derwent River valley, catching the late afternoon sun. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way follows the road through Makeney.

Nikki Mahadevan

Milford Mill weir

Horseshoe weir on the River Derwent at Milford near Belper. Also visible the footings for a pipe or footbridge to the former mill site across the river.

Alan Murray-Rust