A Virtual Tour of the Strutt Community in Belper by Adrian Farmer

[@astralgary.]

I visited Belper today, spent nearly 3 hours walking around. Thank you for the inspiration. It's a lovely place

[@astralgary.]

Fascinating video,full of information. Hopefully the Mills will get funding for essential repairs.

[@chrispaulson670]

Very interesting and learnt a lot. Last year was walking through the fields near Brailford and pondered where the stones had come from, now I know!

[@PopularesVox]

A wonderful presentation on the history of Belper and the old mills which contributed so much to its development. When visiting Belper for the first time, I remember being saddened by the mill chimney being taken down, having seen so many meet the same fate in Lancashire. Though seeing this video now, this was nothing to the destruction that was done in the early 60's I see. That Jubilee clock tower was wonderful and surely could have been saved. I constantly am disappointed and frustrated at the lack of vision in the planning and development of our urban areas, especially that which occurred in the 60's and 70's, and which regrettably continues to this day. I must say that Belper seemingly hasn't escaped the damage by decisions made in the past in shaping the Town today, and hope that there is a more thoughtful attitude in how it will develop for the future. The mill would present an idea opportunity for conversion for mixed retail and office use. Perhaps with the development of a large glass fronted structure on the side of the museum carpark facing towards the River and weir. It's frustrating that unlike our Victorian forebears, there is such a lack of people with vision, capital and the commitment to improve our built environment. Too little money is invested by central government into preservation of our heritage. Everywhere I see buildings and structures falling into decay through neglect because of a lack of funding just to maintain them let alone assistance to adapt them for alternative uses. You are doing a great job though in helping local people to appreciate their town's heritage and highlight what has been lost and the need to preserve what remains.

[@karenawaterfall6111]

Brilliant video. My grandmother Jean Barlow worked within the mill. Its always been spoken of fondly within our family.. the town really does love this spot and the history within it. Fingers crossed for its salvation.

[@shepsterfamily4389]

I left Belper nearly 10yrs ago and moved to Australia. I loved this walk through time, very interesting. I miss home a great deal. Looking forward to coming over for a holiday soon. Thank you Adrian.

[@sophiafletcher314]

I was born and bred in Milford and remember the mill being demolished in 1965-1966 you can just see a window of Milford school through the gap in the derelict buildings.

[@BottleBrookGardens]

Maybe I’m romanticising the past, but fills me with sadness to see the old mill and associated buildings left empty, while remembering what they brought to a local community. One of the biggest crimes and injustices against European peoples is the removal of all industry.

[@barbarahaywood983]

Such a shame they are going to let it go to rack and ruin . Why isn’t something done with it?