BEARD is a hamlet half a mile south of New Mills, and 3 miles west of Hayfield. Here are candlewick mills, chemical works, an iron and brass foundry and quarries producing paving setts; the Midland Railway Company has also a goods yard. F. J. Sumner esq. J.P. is the principal landowner.

National School (mixed), built in 1863, for 300 children; average attendance, 260.