The Strutt North Mill

What’s Happening at Strutt’s North Mill?

Come along to Strutt’s North Mill and take a guided tour of the mill site to discover the history of cotton

spinning in the heart of the Derwent Valley. Learn the story of the Strutt family who transformed the town

from a small hamlet of cottage industry into an industrial mill town, and how this affected the lives of their

workers. Whether you’re joining a local heritage walk, listening to a fascinating history talk or taking part in a

workshop, there’s plenty happening at the mill.

About Belper Mills

Belper stands within the heart of the internationally important Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Alongside the mills in Derby, Darley Abbey, Cromford and Matlock, the area was recognised by UNESCO in

2001 for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. 

Built by the Strutt family, the mills harnessed water power from the River Derwent to drive the machines

needed for spinning cotton. Although the first mill was built in 1776, it is the North Mill of 1804, designed by

William Strutt, that utilised a revolutionary fire-proof construction that is now seen as the forerunner to

modern skyscrapers. Many more mills were built on the site that were sadly demolished in the mid 20 th

Century, but William’s celebrated Grade I listed North Mill still remains alongside the imposing English

Sewing Cotton Company’s East Mill of 1912, and the high quality housing built for their workers.

The Belper North Mill Trust is a charitable organisation that aims to keep the history of Belper and the mills

alive. Due to a withdrawal of funding, the museum that had operated in the North Mill for over 25 years had

to close its doors to the public in 2022. However, to keep sharing the amazing heritage of Belper Mills, the

organisation operates guided tours of the site from their base at Archway House at the rear of the North Mill.

We also offer educational outreach sessions for schools, a varied programme of heritage walks, talks for

groups, events and much more.

Head to our website www.belpernorthmill.org.uk to see the latest news, opening times and to book tickets.

Group bookings for tours, walks and talks are available on request.

Free parking on site for visitors if validated at Archway House.

Volunteer with us!

Strutt’s North Mill is run by volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm keep our amazing heritage story

alive! In 2025, our hard work was recognised by Visit Peak District in Derby and Derbyshire Tourism Awards

where we won Team of the Year! If you’d like to find out more or join our friendly team, please get in touch

by emailing admin@belpernorthmill.org.uk or ring 01773 880474.