Codnor Park and Ironville is the best example of the late 19th century company model village in Derbyshire and although lots has been altered over the years and redeveloped, the essential characteristics of the original village are still visible to the modern-day tourist.
The village was built between 1834 and 1860 was the creation of the Butterley company. The development of Codnor park is due to the formation of the Butterley company and the opening of the Cromford Canal and by 1800, the Butterley company had built for lime kilns at the park, followed by to blast furnaces and the puddling forge, the latter surviving until 1965.
The forge produced high-quality irons used for anchor chains, floating harbours and light ships. Close by is the Park reservoir, a popular spot for anglers and a haven for variety of birdlife.