Building of the Month January 2025: Oak Hurst, Ambergate, Derbyshire, DE56 2EL

Under threat of demolition in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS), this early industrialist's residence is related to a nearby iron forge, later a wire works, which supplied the historic cotton mills at the heart of this area's special status.  On SAVE's at risk register since 2002 and now in very poor condition, we have written to object to the application to demolish it.

Oak Hurst (sometimes "Oakhurst") is an impressive Victorian mansion built in the late 1840s for Francis Hurt above his iron forge which originally been established in the mid 18th century. The house was then occupied by the important local Johnson family who developed a large wire works and were local benefactors, later taking up residence in nearby Allestree Hall (see separate entry on the risk register).  It was radically remodeled and extended in 1888 when it was purchased by the Midland Railway and in 1894 after changing hands again.  The site and its evolution over time is therefore one of great historical interest, showing early industrial activity and reflecting the early trend for the owner, manager or foreman to have a house near to the centre of production. 

Oak Hurst’s location within the boundaries of the DVMWHS is significant as it was part of the early and developing industrial production of the area which is specifically identified as an Attribute (Attribute 5) of the site’s Outstanding Universal Value (see Section 3 Derwent Valley Mills World Site Heritage Management Plan 2022-2025).  Attribute 5 relates to the ‘relict’ landscape and lists as elements related industries, evidence for which remains, including structures relating to the manufacture of nails.  This was an activity which was carried on at the Oak Hurst site.

Specific mention of the site also occurs in the Section 5 Description of the DVMWHS in map 4 (see para 5.3.4) which relates to Ambergate and North West Belper.  The principal features noted in this area are those in the Oak Hurst site: “At Ambergate, the boundary takes in the site of an iron foundry and forge that supplied castings to the cotton mills and railway bridges over the highway and the River Derwent”.    In a section describing the later development of the site, the Management Plan notes “At Ambergate, the former Hurt-owned iron forges attracted the development of a wireworks, one of the first industrial sites in the UK to be powered by hydro”.

The form of the house as it exists today still shows, despite its poor condition, a highly characterful mix of half-timbered and Scottish baronial style, dating from the 1894 remodeling, with a corner turret, gabled roofline and asymmetrical mix of elements. It is a substantial house and was clearly built to be eye-catching and grand.   

Oak Hurst has been on SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register since 2002 when it was added after being nominated as a building of concern by the Council’s conservation team, demonstrating its long-acknowledged historic value and history of neglect.  This was a year after the area was inscribed as a World Heritage Site.  The house had had permission to be demolished prior to the inscription.  We also regularly receive enquiries about it from locals who are fascinated by its history and horrified by its condition.

A delegated decision is due on 27 January 2025 but we have called for this to be considered by committee on the basis of its importance.