BELPER, a market-town and chapelry of Derbyshire, in the parish of Duffield, and hundred of Appletree. The town is agreeably situated on the banks of the Derwent, which is here crossed by a handsome stone bridge. It is seven miles north of Derby, on the line of the North Midland railway. Belper, now one of the most flourishing towns of Derbyshire, is principally indebted for its prosperity to the establishment of cotton works here by Messrs Strutt. It also manufactures linens, nails, hosiery, &c. It has three churches, several chapels for Independents, Methodists, Baptists, &c., a mechanics' institution, and a subscription library. Pop. (1851) 10,082.