History of Ripley
Ripley is a market town in the Amber Valley district of Derbyshire, near the Nottinghamshire border. The name is recorded in the Domesday Book as 'Ripelei', meaning 'strip-shaped clearing'. Ripley grew from a small agricultural village into an important market town, receiving its market charter in 1251. The town's growth accelerated during the Industrial Revolution through coal mining and iron manufacturing — the Butterley Company, founded in 1790, became one of the most important engineering firms in Britain, producing ironwork for St Pancras Station in London. Today Ripley is a busy town with a regular market, independent shops, and good transport links. The Midland Railway – Butterley heritage railway runs nearby.