The village of Beeley sits snugly amongst the gently undulating wooded hills which rise on the east bank of the River Derwent about a mile and a half due south of Chatsworth House. It nestles between the moors and the River Derwent in a lovely setting. It is mainly built of gritstone.

 

Beeley has enjoyed the benefits of two centuries as an estate village under the control of successive Dukes of Devonshire, and though this is no longer the case with many of the properties having been sold off in recent times, the evidence of Ducal influence can still be plainly seen throughout the village today.

 

The village still retains a popular public house called the Devonshire Arms - a 17th century hostelry, recently refurbished and with a magnificent restaurant.

 

Beeley Old Hall dates from the 17th century and is situated at the north eastern edge of the village. The church of St Anne's was heavily restored in the 19th century but retains a Norman doorway, a 14th century tower and contains memorials to the Cavendish family. The Parish register dates back to 1538. At wedding services, tradition and superstition demands that the bride and groom must not approach by the west gate and must pay coinage to leave by the narrow east gate, the wider one being used for funerals. In 1785 one lady died on her way to be married.

 

Duke's Barn is another noteable building which stands along a lane leading from the tiny village green. Built under one large roof in 1791, the Barn has been completely restored and transformed into a residential study centre.

 

 

At the junction directly opposite the pub stand three cottages built in a triangular pattern with very unusual Dutch-gabled roofs, the style is reminiscent of Paxton who designed the nearby estate - village of Edensor. For the rest, this small agricultural community once farmed by a thane named Godric, sleeps timelessly on in the bossom of it's peaceful country setting