Belper River Gardens

About

The River Gardens is a public park in Belper, in Derbyshire, England. Its history dates back to 1905, and it is listed Grade II* in Historic England's Register of Parks and Gardens. It has won a Green Flag Award. The park is owned and managed by Amber Valley Borough Council.

History and description: The park, on the northern outskairts of the town, is bounded on the east by the A6 road and on the west by the River Derwent; it is about 250 metres (820 ft) north to south, and is up to 70 metres (230 ft) wide. The gardens are located within Derwent Valley Mills, a World Heritage Site.

Its history dates from 1905, when the Belper Boating Association was formed. It was supported by George Herbert Strutt, a local businessman, county councillor and JP. He agreed to develop an osier bed, by the River Derwent; this had been used to grow osiers for baskets which were used in Strutt's North Mill, adjacent to the site. A boathouse with a landing stage was built, which was opened on 4 July 1905. Its success led Strutt to make more land available. The ground was landscaped and paths were built, with a promenade by the riverside; a teahouse and a bandstand were built. The layout was designed...