History & Heritage
Amber Valley has a wealth of
interesting and sometimes colourful tales to tell about days gone
by. The area has a realm of historical buildings just waiting for
stories from their past to be discovered. The area's also been home
to many famous people, both past and present, all adding to the
interesting history of this beautiful valley.
Kedleston Hall
Kedleston Hall is one of the greatest neo-classical houses in
Europe and its interiors are breathtaking. When it was built for
the Curzon family in the 18th Century, it was known as "The Glory
of Derbyshire". It is recognised as one of the most complete and
unaltered examples of the work of the famous Scottish Architect
Robert Adam.
From the moment the house was finished, visitors were encouraged
to view the beautiful paintings, sculpture and fine furniture.
Today, a likeness to the 18th Century housekeeper, Mrs Garnett,
will welcome you to the house.
Not only is the interior stunning, the setting has over 800
acres of landscaped parkland with lakes and woodland. There are
wonderful walks through the beautiful gardens.
Throughout the year there are numerous events taking place,
these include Family Activity Days and guided walks. Major events
include Antiques in the Park, outdoor theatre productions, working
Craft Fairs and the exhibition "The Duchess comes to Kedleston"
featuring costumes from the movie "The Duchess."
Kedleston Hall is a National Trust property.
Wingfield Manor
Awe inspiring and dramatic are apt descriptions of the ruins of
Wingfield Manor, standing high above the Amber Valley.
The Manor has witnessed some of the most important periods of
English history. It was here that the plot to overthrow Queen
Elizabeth 1 was drawn together by a local Squire. He wished to
release the captive Mary Queen of Scots and place her on the
English throne, but as a result Mary was sentenced to be
executed.
The Manor is administered by English Heritage and incorporates a
private working farm. Visitors are requested to respect the privacy
of the owners and refrain from visiting outside official opening
hours.
Heage Windmill
This historic windmill was built in 1797 and known locally as
Ned's Mill. After many years of dedicated work from volunteers and
enthusiasts the Mill was restored and opened to the public in
2002.
The Windmill is a Grade II listed windmill and is the only
working stone-towered, multi-sailed windmill in England. Prior to
restoration, she was last worked by miller Thomas Shore in
1919.
The mill has much of her old wooden mechanisms in place which
drives one of her two pairs of millstones. In the basement, the
interpretation centre tells the story of Heage Windmill and the
adjacent kiln has been restored as a reception centre. The Windmill
is open from April - October and groups may visit the Windmill at
other pre-arranged times.
The National Heritage Corridor® was established to secure
recognition of the Derwent Valley for its landscape, wildlife and
heritage.
The River Derwent flows for over fifty miles from north to south
through the stunning Derbyshire countryside. Over the centuries,
nature and entrepreneurs have shaped the landscape to produce the
panorama that greets visitors today. In ever-changing countryside,
the river travels through peaceful villages, bustling towns and
elegant country estates, while all around are legacies of
influential industrial heritage.
World Heritage Site Visitor Guide.
Strutt's North Mill
Strutt's North Mill in Belper is the home of the Derwent Valley
Visitor Centre. Here you are able to discover the secrets of the
Strutts and their work to create the most technologically advanced
mills of their time. Visitors can see one of the finest cotton
spinning machinery collections to be found anywhere and exhibitions
showing the history of cotton spinning.
There is also the famous collection of cotton and silk hose and
a display representing the nail-making industry that was so
important to the town before the cotton industry brought great
changes to Belper and its people.
Denby, John Flamsteed
Denby was the birthplace of the First Astronomer Royal, John
Flamsteed who founded the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
In the year 2000 to celebrate his associations with the village, a
Memorial Park was established opposite the church.
Pentrich Revolution
The story of England's last revolution - June 9th 1817. The
parish of Pentich is famous for the uprising of June 1817 and is
regarded as 'England's last revolution'.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale, born in Florence, Italy in 1820, daughter
to Derbyshire landowner and industrialist, William Edward Shore and
Francis Smith, revolutionised nursing to become the most famous
woman of the 19th Century.
