CITY:

Introduction:

Derby is the largest city and traditional county town of Derbyshire. It lies on the River Derwent in the East Midlands and has a population of 249,000.   

Brief History: 

The Romans were the first settlers in the Derby area. They built a first fort in 50 AD on the west side of the river and a newer one in 80 AD which they called Derventio. Possibly, civilians moved into the surrounding lands next to the forts to sell the soldiers their wares. 

The Romans left their forts, and Britain, in 407 AD and the forts demised. 

The Saxons may have moved back into the area in the 9th century but it was 873 AD when the Danes invaded England and formed the town of Derby, named after the Danish word Deor, which means Deer settlement. 

The Saxons took the town in 917 and incorporated it into the kingdom of England. At the time of the Domesday Book the population was 2000 and there was a market where blacksmiths, coopers and carpenters carried out their trading. 

In 1154 the town was granted a charter and a later one in 1204 allowed the inhabitants to run themselves and a guild was formed. Woollen, leather and brewing trades were started. 

With prosperity priors and friars came to the town and a hospital was opened. 

The population reached 3500. 

Henry V111 got rid of the priors and friars but the tower of All Saints church was built. The town suffered plague twice in the 17th century. 

Also in the 17th century clock making was commenced, a water supply system installed and the office of Mayor commenced. 

By the 18th century Derby was a good size market town with the country’s first silk mill and the production of porcelain began. After visiting Derby the king agreed that a crown could be added to the porcelain and under Queen Victoria it became Royal Crown Derby, which survives until today. 

The 19th century saw life gradually improve and gas street lighting, the railways, a swimming pool, Art School, library and museum made life more pleasant. Following these improvements came trams and electric lighting. 

New industries included paint making, railway engines and iron foundries were commenced.

Exciting times lay ahead in the 20th century when Rolls Royce moved into Derby to construct cars and aircraft engines. Textiles were also important. 

Major slum clearance was started and large estates were built to replace them. 

On the down side a Zeppelin bombed Derby in 1916 and 5 people were killed and the second world war saw 74 citizens killed by bombing. 

All Saints Church became a cathedral in 1927 and Derby became a city in 1977. 

Later in the century Toyota opened a car plant and the local college became a University.

The 21st century saw an expansion of the retail sector. 

Things to Do: 

As an historic city you would expect to find much to do and you won’t be disappointed. The following are very much worth a visit: 

Derby Cathedral: is located in Iron Gate in city centre. It has one of the highest perpendicular towers in the UK which if climbed gives spectacular views over four counties. Peregrine falcons nest in the tower and have successfully reared some chicks. The cathedral also contains the oldest “10 bells” in the world.

Check out the Bakewell Screen and the tomb of Bess of Hardwick. 

Deby Museum: is a good visit where you can see works by local artist Joseph Wright, an Egyptian mummy and Crown Derby porcelain. 

Silk Mills: is an interesting museum located on the first factory site in the world and is a UNESCO project. (Currently being renovated). 

St. Mary’s Chapel on the Bridge: located in Sowter Road is one of only six bridge chapels left in Britain and is a hidden gem. 

Crown Derby Factory Tour and Shop: in Osmaston Road is a fascinating place to see fine porcelain made and decorated. Discounts are available when buying in the shop. 

Further afield in Derbyshire you can find Chatsworth House, Crich Tramway village, Donington Park, Alton Towers, Heights of Abraham and the Peak District. 

Night Life:

Night clubs in the city are found in the Wardwick, Sadler Gate and Friar Gate area. Pubs are of course spread throughout the city centre and out to the suburbs and surrounding countryside. Many of these have bands and other music. 

The Derby LIVE Guildhall Theatre located in Market Place puts on musicals, touring plays, rock bands and comedy nights. For information phone 01332 255800. 

Derby Theatre in Theatre Walk is a modern venue which specialises in new and classic dramatic and comedy productions. 

There are three cinema complexes, Odeon in the Meteor Centre on Mansfield Road and two Showcase multi screens. One, the de Lux at West Mall in Intu Centre  and the other at Forresters Park in Osmaston Park Road. 

Eating Out:

Being a large industrial centre it is logical that Derby possesses a wide range of cuisines throughout the city centre and environs. With approximately sixty five restaurants, twenty cafes and twenty five pubs selling grub and real ale the choice is varied. The majority are based in the theatre and cathedral quarter. 

Shopping:

There are two major areas for shopping in the centre of the city, Intu Mall to the south of the city centre and the Cathedral area in the centre of the city. Intu is a large modern shopping centre containing all the usual High Street names, plus 40 eateries. The Cathedral area shopping is more individual and includes Bennetts a local department store which has been on the same site since 1734 and is located in Iron Gate.

There is a good range of shops in all other parts of the city centre and some specialist ones in roads leading to the suburbs. 

Sport:

Fifty sports are represented in Derby and Derbyshire from angling to wrestling. Of national interest Derbyshire County Cricket Club is based at the 3aaa County Ground in Nottingham Road, Derby, DE21 6DA. 

Accommodation:

In line with all other cities in England and Wales there is a range of hotels to suit all budgets. Large national chains, local private hotels and guest houses can all be found together with some pubs that offer accommodation. 

Located in the heart of England and being a great railway centre, Derby is one of the most accessible cities in the Midlands.

Transport:

Road:

The M1 bisects Derby and Nottingham and gives access to and from London and the South and Yorkshire and the North. The A52 from Nottingham passes through Derby and continues to Ashbourne, Leek, south east Cheshire and on to Manchester and rest of Lancashire.

The A50 forms the southern boundary of the city and joins Derby to Stoke-on-Trent and the A38 leads to Birmingham and the South West.

Railway:

As well as being a train manufacturer Derby Midland is a rail hub.

St. Pancras is the London terminus for Derby trains run by East Midlands Rail.

Trains to East Anglia, via Nottingham, and trains to Sheffield and the north east, Manchester and north west, Birmingham, south west and Wales, together with local Derbyshire routes are frequent. 

Air:

East Midlands airport just 13 miles south of the city is connected to Midland Station by Skylink bus.

Buses:

The  city bus station is at Morledge and contains  a cafe, public toilets and a Spar convenience shop. From this and other termini in the city buses are run locally by Trent Barton and Arriva. Notts and Derby, Your Bus and National Express cover country, regional and national destinations. 

Park and Ride is operated from the Meteor Retail Park on Mansfield Road and from Pride Park. 

Taxis:

Seven taxi companies serve Derby city and surrounding area.