The Belper community has been left shocked, saddened — and rightly furious — after it was discovered that an irreplaceable piece of local history has been stolen from the historic North Mill site.
The iconic Lion’s Head Fountain Tap, once proudly affixed to the Gangway Bridge wall at the Belper Mills, has vanished. Once a humble feature of the mill complex, this cast-iron lion’s head served as more than just a decorative tap — it was a small but powerful symbol of Belper’s rich industrial heritage, standing watch since 1858.
And now? It’s gone. Stolen. Ripped out of its rightful home.
“No Real Value” — But Invaluable to Belper
In their public appeal, the Belper North Mill Trust made it clear that while the piece holds little monetary worth, its historical value is priceless. It’s a tangible link to Belper’s past — a time when the Derwent Valley was a global beacon of innovation and industry.
To remove it is to erase part of that story. To steal it is to rob not just an object, but a community of its cultural identity.
This isn’t just petty vandalism. It’s heritage theft.
A Shameless Act That Hurts Us All
Whoever took this piece may not understand — or worse, may not care — about the deeper damage they’ve done. This act of selfishness goes beyond bricks and mortar. It’s a slap in the face to those who care about Belper, to the volunteers who dedicate time to preserving its past, and to future generations who deserve to learn from and enjoy the stories these artefacts tell.
We must ask: what kind of person sees a historic fixture and thinks, “I’ll have that”?
Help Bring It Back
The Trust has asked — pleaded, even — for the tap’s return. No questions asked. If you’ve taken it, or know who has, please return it anonymously to:
Belper North Mill Trust Office, Archway House, Belper
(Just post it through the letterbox.)
Let’s not let this theft go unanswered. Let’s rally as a community. Speak up. Share this story. Keep your eyes open — and your conscience sharper.
Belper deserves better.
Anonymous
Really shocked and gutted to hear this. The old bell that was used to call the workers in at Milford Mill was stolen a few years ago, and there’s still a gap in the wall where it used to be. I hope the culprit has more of a consciensce this time.