The Derwent Valley Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is situated in the North Mill at Belper, Derbyshire on the banks of the
River Derwent. It was set up to open a window on the history of Belper and to direct people to places of interest within the Derwent Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Come and take a tour of the museum, watch the video which explains the development of Belper and the part it played in the Industrial Revolution. Trained guides are available to show you around or you can use our new individual commentary wands. The friendly staff are always willing to help.
Strutt`s North Mill
Belper North Mill is one of the water powered cotton spinning mills which are an important feature of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The original North Mill, completed in 1786 by Jedediah Strutt, was destroyed by fire in 1803. Strutt`s son William, an engineer of considerable ability erected the present building on the foundation of the earlier one. This cotton mill was the most technically
advanced of its era and is recognised as one of the most important industrial building in the world,
being iron framed and "fire proof".
Exhibits
See how the cotton industry developed from the domestic to the factory system, through the invention of machines such as Hargreave`s Spinning jenny, Arkwright`s water frame and the Crompton mule.
A number of original machines are on display here. Hosiery made for Queen Victoria and George III are amongst an exceptionally fine exhibition which includes examples of chevening
(unique embroidery) done by local women. This, together with a range of early machines representing two centuries of the evolution of hosiery manufacture, makes a fascinating exhibition.
The nail workshop, housed within the mill depicts the town`s earliest industry.
