You don’t need to be a historian to know Derbyshire’s roots run deep.
Many villages and towns here are so ancient they were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 - and remarkably, they’re still thriving today.
The Domesday Book 1086 is a manuscript record of the Great Survey of much of England and parts of Wales completed in 1086 at the behest of William the Conqueror.
Read more: Ancient Derbyshire town mentioned in the Domesday Book is now 'quirkiest place in the UK'
While countless medieval settlements across England vanished into history, these places kept growing, adapting, and welcoming new generations.
We’ve rounded up some of the oldest towns and villages in Derbyshire and the Peak District that first appeared in the Domesday Book and remain full of life in 2025 - places where you can still walk the streets, explore the heritage, and feel part of a living history.
Here are 9 of the oldest parts of Derbyshire:
1. Eyam
While known for the plague outbreak in 1665, Eyam has a history predating this event. Evidence suggests early occupation by ancient Britons on the surrounding moors, with Roman lead mining activity, and later Anglo-Saxon settlement. The village's response to the plague, choosing to isolate itself to prevent its spread, is a significant part of its history. Eyam was a settlement in Domesday Book, in the hundred of Blackwell and the county of Derbyshire. It had a recorded population of 19 households in 1086. Photo: Jason Chadwick
2. Winster
This village, nestled in the limestone hills, is known for its lead mining history, potentially dating back to Roman times. Winster was also a crucial crossing point for various roads and trackways, including the ancient trading route, The Portway. Winster was a settlement in Domesday Book, in the hundred of Hamston and the county of Derbyshire. It had a recorded population of 19 households in 1086. Photo: Submitted
3. Heath
Heath's history as a farming village stretches back to the time of the Domesday Book. It has remained part of the Duke of Devonshire's estate, highlighting its long-standing connection to the land. The village of Heath in Derbyshire was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being part of the Scarsdale wapentake, although the name associated with the location was more likely Lunt, Lund or Lound, which means a grove or clearing in a wood. The Domesday Book recorded the resources and value of the land, and later historical records show that the manor of Heath was given to the monks of Garendon Abbey by the Earl of Derby. Photo: Google
4. Repton - capital of medieval Mercia
Repton is the perfect place for anyone looking to delve into Britain’s medieval history. It was once the capital of the kingdom of Mercia, and notable landmarks include St Wystan's Church - where visitors will find an 8th century crypt built as a mausoleum for Mercian royals. Repton was a settlement in Domesday Book, in the hundred of Walecros and the county of Derbyshire. It had a recorded population of 21 households in 1086 Photo: Google