Heanor town is situated in the Amber Valley region of Derbyshire, about 8 miles N.E of Derby. Once a county market town, it's growth, along with that of it's suburbs, Codnor, Marlpool and Loscoe, dates from the industrial revolution which brought the canals and railways to the region.
Heanor was once on the route of the world's longest tramway which ran from Nottingham to Ripley.
Coal mining was once the dominant industry for Heanor, but all the pits have now closed down and landscaping of damaged land has been given much attention. A reclaimed opencast site, together with the parkland, woods, hill and lake of the former Shipley Hall is now a pleasant country park. Here also can be found the American Adventure, a busy theme park providing much local employment.
Industrial development is actively encouraged with several industrial estates having been built around the town.
The ancient Heanor Parish Church of St Lawrence dates back to the 12th century, though little of the old church remained after it was rebuilt in 1868. The 15th century tower is still intact. Samuel Watson who was born in Heanor and died in 1715, was once the chief woodcarver at Chatsworth. His epitaph in the church reads
'Watson is gone, whose skilful Art disploy'd
To 'th' very life whatever nature made
view but his wonderous work at Chatsworth Hall
Which were so gazed at and admired by all.'
All Saints at Marpool, just south of the town centre is a late Victorian church tastefully rebuilt after a fire.
St Lukes at Loscoe was built in 1936-7 by Bernard Widdows. It is a large brick building imposing from the west square tower. It has a light interior with contemporary fittings.
St James Church in Codnor was built in 1843 by Robert Barker and is a pretty stone building with a narrow west tower. The Chancel was added later. It contains a font found in the precincts of Codnor Castle built by the Lords Grey of Codnor and passed to the Zouche family in 1496.
Heanor has a large comprehensive school, fed by several primary schools from Heanor itself and outlying villages. Also, the South East Derbyshire College of Education is in the town centre.
The River Erewash passes through the area at Langley Mill and visitors are able to enjoy the restored boats which travel to and from the canal basin. The basin was originally built over 200 years ago but it is only recently that it has been restored.
There is a Heanor Town football club and swimming is catered for in an indoor pool near the town centre.
Attractions around Heanor
Shipley Country Park, Heanor, Derbyshire
Attractive countryside of woodlands, meadows and lakes with an extensive network of easily used paths, some suitable for wheelchair users. Visitors centr, shop, cafe and toilets. Cycle hire and hand cycles for disabled people.
Open all year Mon to Friday 11am to 4pm, Sat and Sunday 10am to 4.30pm
Tel 01773 719961
Looking for work in Heanor try Jobs in Heanor
See also :
Heanor & District Local History Society
Ripley
Ilkeston
Alfreton
