 The name of the town of Belper is believed to come
from the French "Beau Repaire", due to its picturesque
setting on the banks of the Derwent. But after the industrialists
and factory - owners were attracted by the potential of its water
- power, Belper became a prosperous mill town with a place in
industrial history, rather than a beauty spot. |
 It was Jedediah Strutt, who in 1759 invented a revolutionary
process for making ribbed stockings, who chose Belper as the
site for his principal mills. |
The
town expanded swiftly to become the third largest centre of population
in the county.
