Pentrich, Derbyshire

Description
Pentrich, a township and a parish in Derbyshire. The township lies adjacent to Ryknield Street, the Cromford Canal, the river Derwent, and 1 mile from Butterley station on the M.R., 2 1/2 miles SSW of Alfreton, and 5 from Belper, and once had a weekly market. It has a post and money order office under Derby; telegraph office, Swanwick and Butterley. Area of township, 1256; population, 303; of the ecclesiastical parish, 594. There is a parish council consisting of five members. The parish contains also the township of Ripley. The manor belongs to the Duke of Devonshire, who is chief landowner. There is a large colliery in the parish. A tunnel of the Cromford Canal is here 8898 feet long. A Roman settlement was at Coneygrey. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Southwell; gross value, £152 with residence. Patron, the Duke of Devonshire. The church is ancient but good, stands on a rising ground, consists of nave, aisles, and chancel, with a tower, and contains a Norman font and several ancient monuments. It was restored in 1859, and the chancel was refloored in 1875. The vicarage of Ripley is a separate benefice. There is a Wesleyan chapel.