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On the summit of a hill within half a mile of the town is Beard Hall, now a farmhouse. The Beard family lived there more than 800 years ago and the building used to cover the whole plot of land now containing the farm buildings. Just across the hillside are the remains of Ollersett Hall which was owned by the non-conformist Bradbury family for 400 years. Thornsett Hall may still be seen with its big stone buttresses, although the hall was converted into cottages and a public house and the public road runs through the former courtyard

The Victorian era brought new buildings to New Mills, bringing to mind days of the nineteenth century. The Town Hall looks over much of the town from the top of Market Street and its building costs were raised entirely by public subscription. Originally called the public hall it was opened in 1871 by the Duke of Devonshire. The tower was added in 1875 and the clock and chimes installed. The library was added in 1910 when New Mills was one of the smallest towns in Derbyshire to operate a free library service.

The parish church of New Mills, was built in 1831 of local stone in the ‘Pointed’ style. Many of the windows of the church are filled with stained glass and much of the interior is the work of local craftsmen.

The Chapel of Ease, dedicated to St James the Less, and the almshouses to which it is attached were erected in 1880 and occupy two sides of a quadrangular plot of land near Spring Bank.

The Roman Catholic Church of St Mary’s erected in 1845 stands on a prominent position in High Lee.

At one time the wealth of non-conformist chapels in the area were a local stronghold for the religious revivalism of the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these have now been demolished. Surviving Methodist chapels are at Brookbottom (1874) and at Lowleighton (1955) which replaced the original chapel which was destroyed by enemy air action in 1942. The former Methodist Sunday School (1844) in High Street is now used for worship by the Christian Revival Church.

The oldest known place of worship in New Mills is the former Society of Friends Meeting House at Lowleighton which dates back to 1717 - which was sold and converted into a house in 1992.

The adjacent Hare and Hounds Hotel at Lowleighton is an excellent example of early 19th century building work.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Photographs courtesy of Stephen Lewis, Andrew Truman and Councillor Martin Doughty.