Duffield is a prosperous commuter village situated next to the River Derwent in Derbyshire at the lower end of the Pennines around five miles north of Derby England. There have been humans in the area, probably, from the iron age.

It is controversial whether the Romans maintained a military presence to protect the ford across which the convoys of lead from Wirksworth joined Rykneld Way en route for the North Sea ports.

However, in Anglo Saxon times it would seem to have been occupied by persons of some position, and in Norman times, Henry de Ferrars built a substantial castle. During this period, it was the centre of Duffield Frith, which extended over many miles radius. T

The castle is now reduced to walls of metre or so and the population has been steadily climbing with many new housing developments raising it to around 5000. The attraction of the village centres around the successful secondary school, Ecclesbourne.

Duffield railway station, which serves the village, is located on the Derwent Valley Line. Duffield will also be the future terminus of the Ecclesbourne Valley heritage railway, which originates at Wirksworth.