The Derwent Valley Mills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Derbyshire, England. It represents the birthplace of the modern textile industry, showcasing the development of water-powered cotton mills during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The site includes several historic mills, workers' housing, and associated structures that illustrate the industrial revolution's impact on society. The area is notable for its innovative use of water power, particularly through the work of pioneers like Richard Arkwright, who established the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. Today, the Derwent Valley Mills serves as a reminder of the region's industrial heritage and its significance in shaping modern manufacturing practices.