Ripley
The town of Ripley is located in the East Midlands region of the UK in the county of Derbyshire. The town is part of the local area known as the Amber Valley. Prior to the Norman conquest Ripley was owned by a local landowner known as Levenot who also owned the close by town of Pentrich. The two towns were listed in the Domesday Book under his name with sixteen families working the land that he owned. After the Norman Conquest the lands here were given to the Norman knight Ralph Fitzhubert who ultimately granted the two towns to the Abbey at Darley.
During the 13th century Ripley was granted a Royal Charter to hold a market every Wednesday and an annual fair that could last for three days. During this period much of the industry in the area was agricultural by nature and Ripley was the home to a corn and water mills. By the 16th century Ripley was no long under church control and was ultimately sold by the family that had been given the town and its surrounding areas. This allowed local farmers to buy their own land and to develop it as they saw fit.
Ripley, as with much of the surrounding area, profited from the Industrial Revolution which changed the make-up of its economy and industry over the years. At this point the rich mineral resources around this small town were used by a number of manufacturing companies.
The most notable company here was the Butterley Company which was established in Ripley in the late 18th century and which still works in the area to this day. The company used the area as a base for coal mining, brick manufacturing, steel works and quarrying. At this point the population of the town grew rapidly although over ensuing centuries the industries here died out to a certain extent.
Railway buffs often enjoy a visit to Ripley which is also the home of the Midland Railway Butterley, the well known steam preservation trust. The nearby National Tramway Museum at Crich is also popular with all the family. A visit to Heage Hall Farm is also recommended for history buffs - the farm here was originally built in the mid 15th century and has some additions which date back to the early 18th century. Ripley is also a popular place with walkers, hikers and nature lovers who can enjoy all the natural advantages of the Peak District.
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