Morley is situated approximately five miles north east of the City of Derby. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the name means 'meadow on the moor'. The village is comprised of a series of ancient settlements, Brackley Gate, The Croft, Morley Smithy, Morley Moor and Church Lane.

The name Brackley Gate may originate from the Brackley family of Horsley Park Gate, who lived there in the 17th century. This area includes disused stone quarries which were a source of employment for Morley men until about 1917. From Brackley Gate's elevated position there are panoramic views over undulating country to the foothills of the Pennines.

The Croft is an unadopted road, originally leading to Moor Farm at the end of which is a cluster of seventeenth and eighteenth century cottages.

The seventeenth century Almshouses in Almshouses Lane were built with money provided by Jacinth Sacheverell, Lord of the Manor of Morley. They consist of six dwellings under one roof, each containing two rooms, half for the poor of Morley and half for parishioners of nearby Smalley.

The Lane lies on the route of the ancient Portway, which is believed to be prehistoric in origin and probably ran down to a crossing of the Trent. The Portway carries on to St. Matthew's Church. Halfway, the track deviates to avoid Morley's mysterious mound. Several eminent historians have put forward theories as to its original purpose; suggesting a defensive position, a Roman survey point, a deliberate obstruction of the Portway to encourage new roads to be built or the possible site of the 'Morlestone' (mentioned in 1086 and still a meeting place in 1300). The mound, once surrounded by a moat is now covered by trees and stands about 20 feet high topped by a five feet diameter platform.

The Smithy, as its name implies, was the area where the blacksmith plied his trade in what is now the Three Horse Shoes Public House. His income was derived from both smithying and inn keeping. Also in this area is Morley Primary School of 1881, an endowed school which replaced an earlier educational establishment of 1818. The disused Brick Works on Brick Kiln Lane are now in the keeping of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and are an attractive haven for various plants, birds and animals and managed as a Nature Reserve.

Church Lane was probably the original centre of Morley and it was here that the Lords of the Manor of Morley lived. The original Hall no longer exists; the only re-maining evidence of this building being an archway inside the Churchyard and adjacent to the Mausoleum. The present Hall dates from 1837. Also within the church grounds is the old Butter Cross.

Behind the Church stands the Tithe Barn which became a regular venue for village festivities including harvest suppers, drama productions and dances. Recently the barn has been tastefully restored to become a large private dwelling house.

St Matthew's Church is a prime example of early medieval architecture with its medieval windows and tiles which were probably acquired from Dale Abbey in the 16th century. The tombs of the Stathums, Sacheverels and Sitwells, erstwhile Lords of the Manor of Morley, are magnificent specimens of their type.

Morley is home to Broomfield Hall which is now the County Agricultural College. Built in 1873, it was originally the country home of Charles Schwind.