In 1868 Pentrich was described as a parish in the hundred of Morleston, county Derby, 5 miles N.E. of Belper, its post town, 2½ S.W. of Alfreton, and 3 W. of the Ambergate railway station. The village, which is considerable, and was formerly a market town, is situated on the road from Birmingham to Sheffield through Ripley, near the Cromford canal tunnel and the river Derwent.