Church Gresley village, nestling within the National Forest, now forms part of the Swadlincote urban core. In the Middle Ages, Church Gresley was once the main settlement in what was essentially a rural area. The 19th century saw its development as a mining village, with the opening of Church Gresley colliery in 1829. Since the closure of the mine, the village is now principally residential. Of note is the Parish Church, part of which dates back to the 12th century.