Heanor
Local Info
Heanor is a historic market town in the Amber Valley district of Derbyshire, England, situated about 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Derby. It is the principal settlement in the civil parish of Heanor and Loscoe. Here is a brief overview: Key Facts Location: East Midlands, England, close to the border with Nottinghamshire, nestled on a hilltop. Local Government: Governed by Amber Valley Borough Council and the Heanor and Loscoe Town Council. Population: The civil parish of Heanor and Loscoe had a population of 17,337 in the 2021 census. History and Heritage Ancient Roots: The town's long history dates back to the Anglo-Saxons and it was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Hainoure'. Industrial Past: Heanor was an industrial town heavily involved in coal mining and the textile industry, which provided significant employment during the Industrial Revolution. These industries later declined in the late 20th century. Longest Tramway: For a period, Heanor was on the route of what was considered the world's longest tramway, running from Nottingham to Ripley (known as the 'Ripley Rattler'). Economy and Industry Modern Economy: The largest sector of employment in Heanor is manufacturing, followed by retail. Famous Factory: Heanor is home to the Matthew Walker factory, the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of Christmas puddings. The factory is located on the Heanor Gate Industrial Park. Retail: The town maintains an established high street and hosts a small outdoor market on Fridays and Saturdays. Places of Interest and Leisure Green Spaces: The town borders Shipley Country Park, a large, restored area of parkland that offers walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Memorial Park: The Heanor Memorial Park is a quiet space featuring a bandstand and a splash pad, with historic iron gates from the former Shipley Hall. Antiques: The town is known for the Heanor Antique Centre, a large, multi-floor location for antique hunting. Literary Link: Shipley Hall, on the edge of the town, was famously used as the setting for D.H. Lawrence's novel, Lady Chatterley's Lover.
