Wander through bustling Belper and follow in the footsteps of the famous - James Bond star Timothy Dalton, actor Alan Bates, twice Commonwealth Games Gold swimmer Ross Davenport ... even the workers who made Queen Victoria's stockings and Nelson's vest at Trafalgar.
They all came from here – and today you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with Coronation Street's Maxine Peacock, alias actress Tracey Shaw, who lives in this up and coming market town.
Belper is big in history, from its medieval beginnings as the centre of the country's nail making industry to the industrial revolution boom, when mill bosses harnessed the power of the River Derwent and turned it into the local capital of cotton and hosiery.
Those heady days have long gone. Sadly only one mill remains, dominating the town with its huge red towers; it is now a museum, and testimony to when cotton was king and the population grew from 500 to 8,000.
Today, it's a bustling market town with a mix of old and new houses and shops, 22,000 inhabitants, and one of the strongest community spirits around.
Community groups cover virtually every activity, from clog dancing to sub aqua, from female football to an organ keyboard society, from belly dancing classes to a group for model railway enthusiasts.
Described by television's "Location, Location, Location" as one of the "most up and coming towns in Britain", Belper's 10,000 houses are a mixture of past and present.
Traditional mill cottages and the cobbled streets of Long Row and the "Clusters" rub shoulders with the new build of apartments and starter homes springing up virtually every week.
The burst of housing growth has had a positive effect on the town centre. More exclusive shops are moving in, pubs are being revitalised into bistro bars, and with part of the town centre already pedestrianised, more traffic-free zones may follow.
But if it's top notch night life you're after, you'd better head elsewhere. A busy shopping town during the day, it's quiet after dark - possibly one of the reasons crime is well below the national average. Trendy it's not. Traditional it is.
There are, however, plenty of pubs to choose from: Belper has more watering holes to the centre square mile than any other town in Britain.
Belper people are proud of their heritage and their community spirit, and seem happy to open their arms to newcomers as the town becomes a sought-after place to live.
Property in Belper
Belper's location as gateway to the Peaks means that is it is fast becoming a commuter town.
With Derby, Nottingham and Manchester within driving distance and good transport links, this ex-mining town is attracting buyers from as far away as Bristol and Liverpool.
The A6 runs through it bringing the blessing of easy road access north and south - and the nightmare of heavy juggernauts trundling through the town might be solved if plans for a by-pass go ahead.
It's not a rental town with most families owning their homes, and there is constant building as the town expands with a multitude of apartments and town houses springing up - as one estate agent put it, "there's a lot happening in a little space".
But Belper people are also very keen for it to remain "the beautiful place" as the Normans called it - Tesco's plans to become the town's fourth supermarket are facing tough opposition from a protest group!
The town is basically split into three areas:
1. The White Moor District
pic: Detached houses, White Moor District
Where is it? Head out of town along the Chesterfield Road into Laund Hill and turn right. It's the huge swathe of houses and roads that stretch across to Over Lane on the other side of town.
This area, which is close to the outstanding sports centre, is the fastest growing part of town, attracting mostly couples and younger families. It doesn't have a proper name at present.
What's there? Traditional houses are being outnumbered by affordable new homes, a mix of starter properties and semis. The area is seemingly growing overnight.
Buyers: First-time buyers and young families.
Pros: Affordable modern homes, on the doorstep of good schools and the sports centre.
Cons: Good for starter couples and youngish families, but when will the building stop? It could develop into an urban sprawl if the planners are not careful.
2. The Parks Estate
pic: Terraces, the Parks Estate
Where is it? Traditional council estate just off Holbrooke Road, now widely owner-occupied.
What's there? Solid homes, many now owned by people who like living here and took advantage of the chance to buy. Strong community spirit from families with deep roots in the estate.
Buyers: People who have grown up on the estate and want to live close to their relatives.
Pros: Good value, well built homes. Many of the owner-occupied homes have been improved.
Cons: Not a place for people who want short term accommodation. This estate is for the people who see Belper as their long term future.
3. The Ripley Side
pic: Stone detached house on the outskirts of Belper
Where is it? Locals call this most sought-after part of town "the Belper Lane end".
On the outskirts of the town, obviously set around the road to Ripley, it's a mix of traditional homes with pretty countryside views, and new deluxe houses.
What's there? Highly sought-after area with upmarket houses. Mixture of Georgian, post-war and modern detached. It's on the edge of town but still close enough to enjoy the facilities.
Buyers: It's not cheap so buyers need deep pockets. Mostly classy homes occupied by business people and professionals. Think lawyers and doctors.
Pros: Very desirable, great views, upmarket part of town.
Cons: Expensive, and you may need transport to get around.
Living Here
Transport:
Trains: The Midland main line from Derby to Leeds runs through the town. Belper has its own railway station in the town centre next to King Street, and good local lines.
Buses: Big bus station in Chapel Street (the A6 through the town centre) with excellent links to most parts of the area and neighbouring towns and cities, including a Derby service every 15 minutes.
Road: With the main A6 running right through the middle, road transport is fairly easy. However, it does become heavily congested in peak hours, and can quickly turn into a big car park if there are road works or the smallest pile up. Derby is just eight miles away.
Air: East Midlands International Airport (EMA) is slightly over twenty miles away.
Shopping:
Pedestrianised King Street and nearby Bridge Street are the shopping heart, with a full mix of traditional and modern outlets.
They are mostly independent shops, but the arrival of top class designer clothes stores and quality furniture retailers is helping to move shopping upmarket. Lots of hairdressers!
Belper has three big supermarkets, with the possibility of Tesco becoming the fourth, rumoured to be on a site in Derwent Street.
Farmers' market every second Saturday of the month - and the De Bradelei factory shop complex attracts busloads of shoppers keen to snap up designer label bargains.
pic: Takeaways in Belper
Eating and Drinking:
Eating: In short supply unless you like pub grub, Indian and Chinese.
However, many pubs are keeping pace with the changing face of Belper, and are turning themselves into eating houses and bistro pubs, offering good food, mostly traditional, at the right price.
Pubs: Belper has a profusion with something to suit everyone, from the 'old man's drinking bar' to the trendy leather-seated bistros.
Sports: Virtually every sport has a home in Belper: the list includes Belper Football Club, rugby and cricket clubs, women's football, indoor and outdoor golf, riding, crown green bowls and sub aqua clubs.
Leisure and Entertainment:
The Ritz is a little 'olde worlde' gem of a cinema where filmgoers can step into yesteryear and even book their seats. Films are a bit late getting here, but what it loses in being up to date with new releases, it makes up with charm and grandeur.
The nearest theatres are in Derby and Nottingham.
Within Belper there is a multitude of clubs and organisations.
Nightlife is traditional, based around the pubs, although there's not much specifically for young people, now that the only nightclub has closed down.
pic: Park in the White Moor District
Parks and Open Spaces:
River Side gardens, just off the town centre, attract thousands of visitors, with year-round activities featuring walks, cycle rides, brass bands, art and folk displays, well dressings, fireworks, sports and boating.
Belper Parks, a 50 acre green jewel teeming with wildlife and walks, is just off the town centre and has its own Friends group dedicated to its maintenance.