1.0 Overvie€¦ · Assessments were carried out of the Masson Mill weir, the ‘Bear Pit’ at Cromford, the Horseshoe and Rock Weirs at Belper, the Foundry and Duck-bill weirs at

Derwent Valley Weirs Heritage Assessment

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1.0 Overview

1.1. Introduction

1.1.1. In 2018, Trent and Peak Archaeology were commissioned by the DerwentWISE

landscape partnership to carry out a heritage assessment of several sites within the

Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS).

1.1.2. Assessments were carried out of the Masson Mill weir, the ‘Bear Pit’ at Cromford, the

Horseshoe and Rock Weirs at Belper, the Foundry and Duck-bill weirs at Milford and the

weirs at Darley Abbey.

1.1.3. If specific proposals are drawn up for interventions at these sites, a further process of

detailed Heritage Impact Assessment should be carried out.

1.2. Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

1.2.1. In 2001 Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site was inscribed on the World Heritage

List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

1.2.2. Sites included on the World Heritage List are protected under the UNESCO Convention

Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972) of which

the UK Government is a signatory.

1.2.3. The statement of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for the Derwent Valley Mills World

Heritage Site emphasises the relationship of the industrial buildings and their associated

settlements to the River Derwent, which provides a constant focus through the entirety

of the World Heritage Site.

1.2.4. As a key component connecting the industrial buildings to the river, the weirs are at the

core of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.

1.2.5. The management plan for the World Heritage Site has as its mission:

To maintain the Outstanding Universal Value of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage

Site by protecting, conserving, presenting, enhancing and transmitting its unique culture,

heritage, economy and landscape in a sustainable manner.

1.2.6. Any proposed works which have the potential to cause harm to the Outstanding

Universal Value of the World Heritage Site are unacceptable.

1.2.7. Any proposed works should prioritise opportunities for intervention or change which do

not harm the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.

1.2.8. Proposed works which do not harm the OUV of the WHS may still impact on the heritage

significance of the individual sites, all of which have statutory designations under UK

law.


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1.3. Methodology

1.3.1. An assessment of significance was carried out for each site in accordance with the

guidance issued by Historic England1.

1.3.2. The Historic England guidance recommends assessing sites using the following criteria:

Evidential value - Evidential value derives from the potential of a place to yield evidence

about past human activity.

Historical value - Historical value derives from the ways in which past people, events

and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present. It tends to be

illustrative or associative.

Aesthetic value - Aesthetic value derives from the ways in which people draw sensory

and intellectual stimulation from a place.

Communal value - Communal value derives from the meanings of a place for the people

who relate to it, or for whom it figures in their collective experience or memory.

Communal values are closely bound up with historical (particularly associative) and

aesthetic values but tend to have additional and specific aspects.

1.3.3. Historic England have also outlined a number of other factors that can contribute or

influence the above values2:

Context – The relationship with other heritage assets regardless of distance

Character – Group of qualities from the past that make the asset distinctive

Landscape – An area, as identified by people, the character of which is the result of

action and interaction of natural and/or human factors

Setting - The surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced

1.4. Designations and Policy

1.4.1. World Heritage Site

All the sites considered fall within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Maintenance of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site should be

the overriding concern in any planned works (See Section 1.2 above).

1.4.2. Scheduled Monuments

Scheduled Monuments are nationally important archaeological sites. Within the sites

considered, the entrance to the Long Sough contained within Cromford Bear Pit is a

Scheduled Monument.

1Historic England 2008 2Historic England 2017


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1.4.3. Listed Buildings

Listing denotes a building's special architectural and historic interest. All of the sites

considered are individually listed, with the exception of the weir at Masson Mills, which

falls under the wider listing for Masson Mill.

1.4.4. Of the sites covered by this assessment, The Bear Pit, Foundry, Duck-bill and Darley

Abbey weirs are Grade II listed (of special interest), although it should be noted that the

Bear Pit is also a Scheduled Monument.

1.4.5. The weir at Masson Mill and the Horseshoe weir are Grade II* listed (particularly

important, of more than special interest).

1.4.6. Historic Parks and Gardens

Two of the sites are immediately adjacent to Historic Parks and Gardens. Masson weir is

situated alongside Willersley Castle Park and Garden (Grade II), while the Horseshoe

Weir and its associated watercourses have a direct relationship to Belper River Gardens

(Grade II*).

1.4.7. Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character

or appearance of which it is considered desirable to preserve or enhance. Conservation

Areas are designated and maintained by Local Authorities. All of the sites considered lie

within Conservation Areas. Masson Weir and Cromford Bear Pit lie within the Cromford

Conservation Area (administered by Derbyshire Dales District Council). The weirs at

Belper and Milford fall within the Belper & Milford Conservation Area (administered by

Amber Valley Borough Council). Darley Abbey weir lies within Darley Abbey

Conservation Area (administered by Derby City Council).

1.5. Proposed works

1.5.1. As noted above, any proposed works should prioritise opportunities for intervention or

change which do not harm the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.

1.5.2. In addition, when considering works that have the potential to directly impact on the

significance of a heritage asset, Historic England advise applying the following principle:

Changes which would harm the heritage values of a significant place should be

unacceptable unless:

a. The changes are demonstrably necessary either to make the place sustainable, or

to meet an overriding public policy objective or need;

b. There is no reasonable practicable alternative means of doing so without harm;

c. That harm has been reduced to the minimum consistent with achieving that

objective;

d. It has been demonstrated that the predicted public benefit decisively outweighs

the harm to the values of the place, considering:

Its comparative significance

The impact of that significance, and

The benefits to the place itself and/or the wider community or society as

a whole.


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1.5.3. Current proposed works on the sites fall into three main categories:

a. Maintenance and Repair

b. Introduction of Fish Passages

c. Hydroelectric Schemes

1.5.4. Programmes of maintenance and repair are essential to the longevity of the structures,

and therefore essential to the protection and conservation of the Outstanding Universal

Value of the World Heritage Site. Major programmes of repair should be subjected to a

process of Heritage Impact Assessment. Ongoing maintenance and minor repair should

be guided by an established set of criteria which preserve the values and significance of

the structures.

1.5.5. The introduction of fish passages could be argued to be necessary to meet an overriding

public policy or need. However, as noted above, any intervention must not harm the

Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site, and reasonable practicable

alternatives must be exhausted so that the impact on the structures, sites and setting is

minimised as much as possible.

1.5.6. The generation of hydroelectric power can be seen as a direct continuation of the

original function of the weirs and mills. Where hydroelectric schemes already exist, the

emphasis should be on enhancing and upgrading existing schemes rather than the

addition of new or additional schemes. This would minimise the risk of harm to the

Outstanding Universal Value by reducing the impact on the evidential and aesthetic

values of the structures, and on the setting of the heritage assets. The introduction of

new hydroelectric schemes would have a significant impact on setting and reduce the

aesthetic values of the site, potentially harming the Outstanding Universal Value. Each

scheme should be separately evaluated through a process of Heritage Impact

Assessment once detailed plans are developed.

1.6. Individual Site Assessments

1.6.1. Individual Heritage Assessments are appended to this document and have been included

in each of the reports produced by JBA Consulting.

1.6.2. It should be emphasised that these are initial assessments and that a further programme

of Heritage Impact Assessment should be carried out on detailed plans for any works.

1.7. Conclusions and Recommendations

1.7.1. As all the sites lie both within the World Heritage Site and local Conservation Areas,

where possible the preference should be for adaptation of existing water courses to

reduce the overall impact on the setting and aesthetic value of the sites, which will in

turn prevent harm to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.

1.7.2. In order to reduce the impact on the aesthetic values of the structures the introduction

of new materials should be where possible using traditional techniques, and

complementary and sympathetic materials e.g. masonry rather than concrete. The


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visual impact of any work should be minimised as far as possible to maintain the

authenticity of the Outstanding Universal Value.

1.7.3. Any impact on evidential value should be minimised, but where necessary should be

mitigated through a process of archaeological investigation and recording to gain as

much information on the material lost or altered during the works.

1.7.4. The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Research Framework provides a list of key

questions relevant to archaeological investigation of these sites:

2C – Investigate riverine locations for archaeological traces of early mills and other

historic water management assets

4C – Investigate the impact of natural resources and geography upon the Derwent

Valley textile industry and evaluate the distinctiveness of the Derwent’s resource base

8D – Investigate the harnessing of hydropower from rivers in the Derwent catchment

and the reconciliation of competing interests

1.7.5. As specific designs are developed, a detailed Heritage Impact Assessment should take

place for each site. This will involve assessing the existing significance values (as outlined

in the criteria above) against the impact that the works will have on those values. In each

case the negative impact on the values should be minimised.

1.7.6. It is recommended that Heritage Impact Assessment takes place during the

development stage of any proposed works in coordination with the engineering group

or contractor to ensure that proposed designs do not harm the Outstanding Universal

Value of the World Heritage Site, and to minimise impact on the individual sites and

structures.

1.7.7. Larger programs of maintenance and repair should also be subject to a process of

Heritage Impact Assessment.

1.8. Acknowledgements

This project was commissioned by Tania Pells and Rachel Costigan of DerwentWISE. Thanks are due

to Jeremy Benn of JBA Consulting for providing draft copies of structural assessments, and to Steve

Baker, Adrian Farmer and Adam Lathbury of Derbyshire County Council and Tim Allen of Historic

England for providing comments on draft versions of the report. Ian Jackson provided a wealth of

knowledge on both the history and current condition of the sites. The project was managed on behalf

of Trent & Peak Archaeology by Steve Malone.


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1.9. Bibliography

Adam, W. 1850.The Gem of the Peak.

Cooper, B. 1991.Transformation of a Valley 2nd ed. Scarthin Books: Cromford.

Darwin, E. 1791.The Botanic Garden. Part II. The Loves of the Plants.

Ford, T.D. & Rieuwerts, J. H. 2000.Lead Mining in the Peak District 4th ed. Landmark Publishing Ltd.:

Ashbourne.

Endfield, G. H. & Van Lieshout, C. 2018. ‘Water and vertical territory: the volatile and hidden historical

geographies of Derbyshire’s lead mining soughs, 1650s–1830s’.inGeopolitics, DOI:

10.1080/14650045.2018.1486299.

Historic England. 2008. Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance

Historic England. 2017. The Setting of Heritage Assets

Knight, D. (ed.) 2016.The Derwent Valley: The Valley that changed the World; Derwent Valley Mills

World Heritage Site Research Framework.

UNESCO. 1972. Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.


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2.0 Masson Weir, Cromford





Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972 of which the

UK Government is a signatory.

2.1.3. The statement of Outstanding Universal Value for the Derwent Valley Mills World


settlements to the river Derwent, which provides a constant focal point through the

entirety of the World Heritage Site.



2.1.5. The management plan for the World Heritage Site has as its core mission:






2.1.7. Any proposed works should utilise opportunities for intervention or change which do


2.2. Heritage Designations

2.2.1. DERWENT VALLEY MILLS WORLD HERITAGE SITE List Entry No.: 1000100

The Masson Mills complex marks the northern end of the Derwent Valley Mills World

Heritage Site. The Statement of Outstanding Universal Value specifically highlights the

importance of the relationship of the industrial buildings and settlements to the river

and topography. It should therefore be considered that any scheme of works that

impacts upon the weir has the potential to harm the Outstanding Universal Value of the

World Heritage site.

2.2.2. MASSON MILLS, DERBY ROAD List Entry No. 1247935

The weir forms part of the Grade II* listed Masson Mills complex. The weir is not

specifically mentioned within the listing description but is part of the curtilage of the mill

building. Works that impact upon the weir will therefore have an impact on the mill as

a whole.

2.2.3. WILLERSLEY CASTLE PARK AND GARDEN List Entry No. 1001459


8

The Grade II listed late 18th and early 19th picturesque pleasure grounds and park that

surround Willersley Castle border the left bank of the river from Lovers Walks to the

north (a Grade II* listed Park and Garden) to Cromford bridge. They were laid out for Sir

Richard Arkwright and were deliberately designed to lead the visitor along the bank of

the river past the mill and weir to Lovers Walk to the north. The view of the weir is

specifically mentioned in the listing. Works that impact on the aesthetic of the weir have

the potential to impact upon the setting of the park and garden, and so impact on the

heritage values of the park.

2.2.4. CROMFORD CONSERVATION AREA Derbyshire Dales District Council

The Cromford Conservation Area was designated in 1971 and is centred on the

settlement of Cromford but specifically shaped to include related sites including Masson

Mill.

2.3. Assessment of Significance

2.3.1. Evidential Value

The exact date of the existing weir at Masson is ambiguous. The weir potentially dates

to the earlier paper mill which occupied the site and may represent the only surviving

physical evidence for White and Shore’s factory. This would mean that within the

context of the World Heritage Site, the weir is of relatively early date.

The relationship between the weir and its underlying geology has the potential to

answer questions about the structure itself, but also about the process of site selection

in the early development of industry in the Derwent Valley.

The unusual shape of the weir may be linked to the relationship with underlying geology

or represent an early prototype for weir design. This is only likely to be established

though the physical evidence surviving within the weir.

As at other sites there is a high potential for survival of the remains of pre-industrial

structures such as mills, fishing weirs or crossing places.

The weir has the potential to provide information both on the development of Masson

Mill, but also the history of earlier industrial production at the site.

2.3.2. Historical Value

Masson Weir has clearly established associations with Richard Arkwright, a significant

historical figure linked to the World Heritage Site, in both its function as part of Masson

mills and its proximity and relationship with the gardens of Willersley Castle.

Historically the weir represents the continuity and evolution of hydropower within the

Derwent Valley, and can be associated with both textile manufacture and hydroelectric

generation at Masson mill, as well as the earlier paper mill.


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Historical descriptions of the weir and Derwent River at this point are recorded in

Adams3, and in poetic form by Erasmus Darwin4.

2.3.3. Aesthetic Value

Masson weir sits within an outstanding landscape setting, with a steep sided wooded

valley to one side, and the architecturally imposing Masson Mill to the west. The

picturesque nature of the site is evocative of the descriptions of the Derwent and weir

by Adam and Darwin.

Unlike other mill and weirs locations, the lack of a surrounding settlement means that

the site has not been encroached by development.

The weir at Masson Mill clearly articulates the relationship between the mill, river and

topography in a landscape setting that has been relatively unchanged since the 19th

century, a relationship that is key to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World

Heritage Site.

2.3.4. Communal Value

Masson Mill currently houses a shopping centre, museum and working textile mill.

Access to and views of the weir from inside the mill building are limited, lessening the

public appreciation of the structure.

The riverside walk on the left-hand bank of the river presents some of the best views of

the weir and Masson Mill. The walk is part of Willersley Castle grounds which is currently

owned by Christian Guild Hotels. There is no public right of way along the path, although

access is made available to the public on request. The communal value of the site has

the potential for a positive increase if access to the left-hand bank is made more publicly

available.

2.3.5. Setting

The setting of the weir makes a substantial contribution to its aesthetic value and

therefore to its significance. Any alteration to the landscape surrounding the weir has

the potential to impact upon its significance and thereby on the Outstanding Universal

Value of the World Heritage Site.

In addition, the weir forms part of the setting for both Masson Mill and Willersley Castle

Park and Garden. Alterations to the weir have the potential to impact on the significance

of these heritage assets as well as the wider World Heritage Site.

3Adams (1850) 4Darwin (1791)


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2.4. Opportunities for Change without Damaging Sensitivities

2.4.1. Fish Passage

The spillways downriver of the main weir could potentially be utilised to provide a fish

passage without harming the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.

2.4.2. Hydropower Scheme

An existing scheme is already in place within the mill goyt. The capacity of the current

scheme should be explored and enhanced. If additional schemes are deemed necessary

then the preference would be for the reuse of existing wheel pits, removing the risk of

harm to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.

2.5. Proposed Interventions and Degree at risk

2.5.1. The following potential interventions have been identified in the report produced by JBA

Consulting.

2.5.2. No urgent repairs are planned, but a programme of inspection, monitoring and

maintenance is recommended.

2.5.3. Fish Passage along left bank or remote from site

The placement of a fish passage on the left bank, where there are no substantial

structures, has the potential to be visually intrusive and compromise the setting and

impact on the aesthetic value of the weir, and negatively impact on the setting of

Willersley Castle Park and Garden. It also has the potential to disconnect the public from

an area where Masson Mill can be viewed and appreciated in its valley setting.


An existing scheme is already in place within the mill goyt and has a minimal impact on

aesthetic value of the site. The introduction of an additional scheme on the main river

would involve a potentially huge impact on the setting which could reduce significance

of the heritage asset.


2.6.1. As the site lies both within the World Heritage Site and Cromford Conservation Area,

where possible the preference should be for adaptation of existing water courses to

reduce the overall impact on the setting and aesthetic value of the sites, which will in


2.6.2. The exceptional aesthetic value of the site, and its relationship to both the mill buildings

and Willersley Castle Park and Gardens mean the visual impact of any planned works

should be minimised as far as possible. In order to reduce the impact on the aesthetic

values of the structures the introduction of new materials should be achieved where

possible using traditional techniques, and complementary and sympathetic materials

e.g. masonry rather than concrete.


mitigated through a process of archaeological evaluation to gain as much information

on the material lost or altered during the works.


11










place for each site. This will involve assessing the existing significance values against the

impact that the works will have on those values. In each case the negative impact on the

values should be minimised.





structures.




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3.0 Cromford Bear Pit, Cromford









settlements to the River Derwent, which provides a constant focal point through the













3.2.1. DERWENT VALLEY MILLS WORLD HERITAGE SITE List Entry No.: 1000100

The Cromford Bear Pit falls within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The

Statement of Outstanding Universal Value specifically highlights the importance of the

relationship of the industrial buildings and settlements to the river and topography. It

should therefore be considered that any scheme of works that impacts upon the Bear

Pit has the potential to harm the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage site.

3.2.2. ENTRANCE TO LONG SOUGH WEST OF ALLEN'S HILL List Entry Number: 1014595

The Long Sough, which was used to drain lead mines from as far away as Wirksworth

exits into the Bear Pit at Cromford. Well preserved examples of soughs are nationally

important, and the adaptation of the watercourse by Arkwright in the 18th century

contributes to the significance of the monument.

3.2.3. CONDUIT TO THE REAR OF NUMBERS 3-13 CROMFORD HILL, CROMFORD HILL- List

Entry No. 1248499


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The 18th century structure surrounding the Bear Pit is Grade II listed and is linked to the

development of Cromford by Richard Arkwright.

3.2.4. CROMFORD CONSERVATION AREA Derbyshire Dales District Council

Cromford Conservation Area was designated in 1971 and centred on the settlement at

Cromford.



The Bear Pit provides physical evidence of two key industries within Derbyshire, lead

mining and textile production.

The Long Sough is a well-preserved and fully functional example of its type, a fact which

is reflected in its designation as a Scheduled Monument.

The structure provides unique evidence of hydrological ingenuity in the exploitation of

existing water courses, both natural and manmade, for industrial development within

Cromford.


The Long Sough was an extension of Cromford Sough, which is believed to be the first

major sough in Derbyshire, and dates to the 17th century. Long Sough is well attested

within documentary records.

The Bear Pit has a strong connection with Richard Arkwright and the development of

Cromford Mill and the associated settlement at Cromford. Specifically, the Bear Pit was

at the centre of a high-profile legal dispute between lead miners and Arkwright5 over

the use of water from the sough to power Cromford Mill.


The materials and construction of the Bear Pit mirror those of the surrounding buildings

and are typical of the character of the Conservation Area.

The Bear Pit is an impressive and engaging monument but is difficult to fully appreciate

from the exterior. Public access to the interior of the monument is not possible, meaning

that there is little potential to increase the aesthetic value.


5 See Endfield& Van Lieshout (2018)


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Cromford Bear Pit has significant links to textile milling and lead mining history and has

wider links to the physical development of Cromford Mill and Cromford.

The Bear Pit regularly features as part of heritage tours and within pamphlets and guides

to Cromford. However, there is a lack of signage to signpost and explain the monument.

There is a potential for increase in the communal value of the Bear Pit through better

signage indicating the monument’s location and function.

3.3.5. Setting

The immediate environs of the Bear Pit are highly complementary to the aesthetic value

of the structure. The Bear Pit and its surroundings are an exemplar of the distinctive

character of the Cromford Conservation Area. Alterations to any of the heritage assets

within this immediate area could potential impact on the significance of the wider group.


3.4.1. Currently there is no requirement for change or alteration to Cromford Bear Pit.

3.5. Proposed Interventions and Degree at Risk

3.5.1. Currently there are no major interventions planned for Cromford Bear Pit.


3.6.1. Maintenance of the Bear Pit is shared between Derbyshire Dales District Council and

Cromford Parish Council. Maintenance should be conducted under an established set of

guidelines produced by a suitably qualified Conservation professional.

3.6.2. The lack of clearly established ownership poses a potential risk to the long-term

maintenance and repair of the site, and efforts should be made to establish ownership

of the site.

3.6.3. The site has the potential for increase in communal value through greater public

awareness and better signage.


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4.0 Horseshoe & Rock Weir, Belper









settlements to the River Derwent, which provides a constant focal point through the













DERWENT VALLEY MILLS WORLD HERITAGE SITE List Entry No.: 1000100

Horseshoe and Rock Weir, Belper falls within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

The Statement of Outstanding Universal Value specifically highlights the importance of the

relationship of the industrial buildings and settlements to the river and topography. It should

therefore be considered that any scheme of works that impacts upon the weirs has the

potential to harm the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage site.

BELPER RIVER WEIRS, RETAINING WALLS AND SLUICES TO BELPER RIVER WEIRS, BRIDGE

FOOT List Entry No. 1335702

The weirs and associated structures at Belper are Grade II*listed. The listing description

specifically refers to their association with Jedediah Strutt and the development of the mills,

as well as their picturesque nature.


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BELPER RIVER GARDENS List Entry No. 1001372

Belper River Gardens are Grade II* listed, in part due to the authenticity of their layout and

association with G Herbert Strutt.

BELPER & MILFORD CONSERVATION AREA - Amber Valley Borough Council

The Belper & Milford Conservation Area covers the industrial structures and associated

settlements built to house the Strutt factory communities.



There are several phases of development within the weirs and associated sluices at

Belper. These phases of development have the potential to inform our understanding of

the evolution of the wider mill complexes, but also of the technological advancements

in weir design, including the incorporation of flood gates.


structures such as mills, fishing weirs or crossing places. In particular, there are

references to the original being located on an ‘ancient weir’, and placement of the

‘Circular Weir’ being dictated by the presence of other weirs upriver. This greatly

increases the likelihood of evidence for associated structures.

The Horseshoe weir is reputedly built on a reef of gritstone, the relationship between

the weir and its underlying geology has the potential to answer questions about the

structure itself, but also about the process of site selection in the development of

industry in the Derwent Valley.


The weirs have a direct association with Jedediah Strutt, a significant figure within the

Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and are related to the ongoing development

of Jedediah Strutt’s industrial complex at Belper.


The Horseshoe weir is a striking and engaging structure set within the context of a wider

industrial site. Public access to the riverbank and across the bridge, as well as around

the majority of site means that there are a multitude of viewpoints of the weirs and

sluices against the backdrop of the mill buildings and river valley landscape.

The weirs clearly articulate the relationship between the mills, settlement, and riverine

topography in a landscape setting that has been relatively unchanged since the 19th


17

century. This relationship is at the core of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World

Heritage Site.


The Horseshoe and Rock weirs are an important part of Strutt’s industrial complex at

Belper, which is made accessible to the public through the museum at Belper Mill.

The structures are visible from a major route way into the town, as well as from the

public rights of way along the riverbank, and from Belper River Gardens. Their presence

as a local landmark has led to their inclusion on numerous postcards as a defining feature

of Belper.

4.3.5. Setting

The weirs are set within a wider industrial landscape of 19th century character which are

directly related to the weirs.

The setting of the weirs makes a substantial contribution to their aesthetic value and

therefore to their significance. Any alteration to the landscape surrounding the weir has



In addition, the weir forms part of the setting for both Belper Mill and Belper River

Gardens. Alterations to the weir have the potential to impact on the significance of these

heritage assets as well as the wider World Heritage Site.


4.4.1. Fish Passage

Existing sluice gates and bypass channels could potentially be utilised to provide a fish


The sluice channel and bypass channel on the left bank provide potential options for

location of a fish passage.


An existing scheme is already in place within Belper Mill. The capacity of the current

scheme should be explored and enhanced. If additional schemes are deemed necessary

then the preference would be for the reuse of existing water channels, removing the risk

of harm to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.There may be the

potential for using other wheel pits in the mill complex without significant impact.

4.4.3. The redevelopment of the former West Mill site could provide an opportunity for

reopening former water courses, facilitating both fish passage or an additional

hydroelectric scheme.


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4.5. Proposed Interventions and Degree at Risk

4.5.1. The following potential interventions have been identified in the report produced by JBA

Consulting.

4.5.2. Repair and maintenance

Permanent repair is needed to ensure the long-term integrity of the weir and associated

structures.

Any large-scale repair will potentially impact on the evidential value of the structure. A

program of archaeological evaluation and recording would partly mitigate the negative

impacts on the evidential value.

4.5.3. Fish Passage within the left bank sluice channel

The location of a fish passage within the left bank sluice channel would minimise the

impact on the aesthetic value of the weir. Any impact of evidential value should be

minimised through the design process and mitigated through archaeological evaluation.


An existing scheme is already in place within Belper Mill and has a minimal impact on

aesthetic value of the site. The introduction of an additional scheme on the main river

would involve a potentially huge impact on the setting which could reduce significance

of the heritage asset.


4.6.1. As the site lies both within the World Heritage Site and Belper & Milford Conservation

Area, where possible the preference should be for adaptation of existing water courses

to reduce the overall impact on the setting and aesthetic value of the sites, which will in















19













structures.



4.6.8. The communal value of the site centres on the availability of access and open vistas

across the weir and associated heritage assets, any planned works should ensure that

current levels of access are maintained.


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5.0 Foundry Weir, Milford























Foundry Weir, Milford falls within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The

Statement of Outstanding Universal Value specifically highlights the importance of the

relationship of the industrial buildings and settlements to the river and topography. It should

therefore be considered that any scheme of works that impacts upon the weir has the

potential to affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage site.

RETAINING WALLS TO WEIR ADJACENT TO GLOW WORM FOUNDRY List Entry No. 1087361

The retaining walls of the weir are Grade II listed.

BELPER & MILFORD CONSERVATION AREA - Amber Valley Borough Council

The Belper & Milford Conservation Area covers the industrial structures and associated

settlements built to house the Strutt factory communities.


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The Foundry Weir provides evidence of exploitation of the watercourse for a range of

industries which predate Strutt’s textile mills including corn processing and fulling. The

alteration of the structure to power Strutt’s mills provides evidence for the evolution

and expansion of the industrial settlement of Milford. The current weir was redeveloped

immediately after the construction of Belper Horseshoe weir, and also included flood

gates, showing the ongoing innovation of weir construction through the Derwent valley.




The weir is associated with the later Strutt foundry and Milford Cotton Mills but predates

Strutt’s association with Milford.


Foundry Weir was constructed to divert water to mills further downriver. However,

there are no substantial industrial buildings in the immediate vicinity and no direct visual

association with the mills further downriver.

More recent development on the left bank of the river, despite containing elements of

industrial reference in the architecture is in general unsympathetic and has had a

negative impact on the aesthetic value of the site.

Recent work has cleared out features such as the sluice gates, making the site more

visibly accessible.


The weir is accessible from a public right of way along the left bank of the river, and its

history and purpose is explained by a nearby information board. The site has recently

been cleared and enhanced by the local community and the site is regularly visited as

part of heritage tours.

5.3.5. Setting

The river is set within a largely ‘natural’ landscape with wooded slopes to the right bank

of the river, and osier beds on the left bank. The modern development on the left bank


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has negatively impacted on the setting of the weir, reducing its contribution to overall

significance.

The setting of the weirs makes a substantial contribution to their aesthetic value and

therefore to their significance. Any alteration to the landscape surrounding the weir has




5.4.1. Fish Passage



Existing water courses run from upriver of the duck-bill weirs to upriver of Foundry weir

through the former mill site. These water courses should be investigated as a potential

fish passage.

5.5. Potential Interventions and Degree at Risk

5.5.1. The following potential intervention has been identified in the report produced by JBA

Consulting.

5.5.2. Fish Passage within the left bank sluice channel and removal of sluice gate.

The location of a fish passage within the left bank sluice channel would minimise the

impact on the aesthetic value of the weir. However, the removal of the sluice gate would

negatively impact on the evidential value of the structure. In addition, the sluice gate

has been proposed for repair by Derwent Hydro-electric in order to facilitate

maintenance of the weir. Maintenance and conservation of the sluice gate would add to

the integrity and authenticity of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage

Site and therefore should take precedence over its removal.















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structures.




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6.0 Duck-bill Weirs, Milford























Duck-bill Weirs, Milford falls within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The Statement of

Outstanding Universal Value specifically highlights the importance of the relationship of the industrial

buildings and settlements to the river and topography. It should therefore be considered that any

scheme of works that impacts upon the weirs has the potential to harm the Outstanding Universal

Value of the World Heritage site.

RETAINING WALLS TO WEIRS IN RIVER DERWENT NEAR FORMER FORGE MILL List Entry No. 1109247

Both of the weirs are included within the Grade II listing.

BELPER & MILFORD CONSERVATION AREA- Amber Valley Borough Council

The Belper & Milford Conservation Area covers the industrial structures and associated settlements

built to house the Strutt factory communities.


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The Duck-bill weirs and associated watercourses provide physical evidence of the

development of a number of industrial processes at Milford which predate the purchase

of the Makeney Forges and New Mills sites.




The duck-bill weirs also have a direct association with Jedediah Strutt and the

development of the mills and associated settlement at Milford.


The weirs can be viewed from both sides of the river, the views from the left bank have

been improved by the removal of vegetation. On the right bank an outdoor area shared

between Soi restaurant and the Strutt Arms provides key views over the weirs. Views

from the road bridge to the north are more restrictive and do not fully articulate the

character of the weirs.


The duck-bill weirs are included on World Heritage tours. The lack of directly associated

structures make it difficult to understand the context of the weirs, which could be

improved with the addition of signage and interpretation boards.

6.3.5. Setting

The removal or redevelopment of mills and other buildings associated with the weirs

combined with several areas of unsympathetic development has negatively impacted in

the setting and reduced the contribution to the overall significance of the site.


6.4.1. Fish Passage




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The sluice channel to the iron forges runs along the left bank from downstream of the

duck-bill weirs and has the potential to be restored.


An existing scheme is already in place at Milford. The capacity of the current scheme

should be explored and enhanced. If additional schemes are deemed necessary then the

preference would be for the reuse of existing water channels, removing the risk of harm

to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site. There may be the

potential for using other sluices at either the Iron Forge or the Cotton mills without

significant impact upon the site.


6.5.1. The following potential intervention has been identified in the report produced by JBA

Consulting.

6.5.2. Fish passage on left bank

The location of a fish passage on the left bank would minimise the impact on the

aesthetic value of the weir and wider setting.























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structures.




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7.0 Darley Abbey Mill Weirs, Darley Abbey























Darley Abbey Mill Weirs, Darley Abbey falls within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The

Statement of Outstanding Universal Value specifically highlights the importance of the relationship of

the industrial buildings and settlements to the river and topography. It should therefore be considered

that any scheme of works that impact upon the weirs has the potential to harm the Outstanding

Universal Value of the World Heritage site.

DARLEY ABBEY WEIR – List Entry No. 1420572

Darley Abbey Weir is Grade II listed, principally due to its association with the Grade I listed Darley

Abbey Mills complex, and for the industrial processes associated with the Derwent Valley Mills World

Heritage Site.

DARLEY ABBEY CONSERVATION AREA- Derby City Council


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Darley Abbey Conservation Area was established by Derby City Council in 1970. The main reason for

the designation is the high survival of the industrial village built by Thomas Evans in the 18th and early

19th centuries.



The presence of archaeological remains, dating to the medieval Darley Abbey on the

artificial island in the middle of the weir increases the likelihood of further remains

elsewhere on the site.


structures such as mills, fishing weirs or crossing places, which is increased by the

proximity of Roman fort at Little Chester.

The weir provides evidence for the industrial development of the area, and the

associated mill complexes of Boars Head Mills and the now-demolished paper mill.


Darley Abbey Mill Weir has a direct association with Thomas Evans, a contemporary and

associate of Richard Arkwright, and to the development of the industrial complex of

Darley Abbey Mills and the associated settlement of Darley Abbey.


The weir at Darley Abbey Mill clearly articulates the relationship between the mill,

settlement, and riverine topography in a landscape setting that has been relatively

unchanged since the 19th century. This relationship is at the core of the Outstanding

Universal Value of the World Heritage Site.


The weir is easily visible from public rights of way and parks along the river, and forms a

significant component of the Darley Abbey Conservation Area.

Darley Abbey Mill contains a number of industrial and shopping outlets as well as a

restaurant that overlooks the weir which increase access to and interaction with the

weir.


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7.3.5. Setting

The large industrial complex of Darley Abbey Mills and the industrial settlement of

Darley Abbey village make a strong positive contribution to the overall significance of

the heritage asset.


7.4.1. Currently there is no requirement for change or alteration at Darley Abbey Weirs.


7.5.1. There are currently no planned interventions at Darley Abbey Weirs.


7.6.1. Regular maintenance should be conducted under an established set of guidelines

produced by a suitably qualified Conservation professional.



Documents

1.0 Overvie€¦ · Assessments were carried out of the Masson Mill weir, the ‘Bear Pit’ at Cromford, the Horseshoe and Rock Weirs at Belper, the Foundry and Duck-bill weirs at