Belper

Belper is a town and civil parish in the Amber Valley district of Derbyshire, England. It lies in the Derwent Valley on the River Derwent, roughly between Derby and Nottingham, and is part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Belper’s growth stems from the cotton industry in the early 19th century. Jedediah Strutt established Belper North Mill in 1804–06, one of the first steam-powered cotton mills, and the associated housing and infrastructure helped create a planned industrial town. The mills and other 19th-century red-brick buildings define much of the town’s character, with many structures preserved in a designated conservation area.

Today Belper functions as a market town serving residents of the Amber Valley, with a population of around 20,000 in the civil parish. Its economy is mixed, including local services, light industry, and tourism tied to its industrial heritage. Notable landmarks include Belper North Mill, a surviving reminder of the Strutt era, and the Belper River Gardens along the Derwent. The town is served by Belper railway station on the Derwent Valley Line, which connects Derby and Nottingham.

Belper is administered by Belper Town Council within Amber Valley Borough Council. It offers educational facilities such as Belper School and Sixth Form Centre and several primary schools. The Market Place and surrounding streets host regular markets and events, contributing to the town’s local character.