Peter S. Fox.
The Geographical Association
April MMXIII
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This PowerPoint is NOT intended to be used as a
presentation but has been used to create a set of
Fieldwork information notes. There are 82 pages.
The order of these notes is not the order in which the
Fieldwork was completed but is divided into different
sections for different parts of the City.
The Fieldwork considers just the City Centre and
misses Friar Gate the location of the Pickford House
Museum and the Handiside Bridge.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
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The Railway Quarter
Siddalls Lane to the Westfield Shopping Centre – London
Road [A519]
St Peter’s Quarter – St Peter’s Street – Babington Lane –
Corn market
Market Place – Assembly Rooms, Guild Hall, Market Hall,
The Quad.
Market Place – Full Street – Derwent Street – Exeter Bridge
– River footpath
Under St. Alkmund’s Way [A6] – St Mary’s Bridge Chapel –
view Chester Green -Queen’s Street – Iron Gate - Cathedral
The Cathedral Quarter
St. Mary’s Gate – Bold Lane – Saddler Gate – Market Place
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Aim: To show you some of the things you might like to explore in Derby and to tell you
something about the city you are in and to encourage you to ask questions to work
things out for yourself. The walk itself takes about an hour and is between two and a
half and three miles long – is circular. I will point out eating and drinking places on
route.
Where things are Derby is quite a small safe city which is very difficult to get lost in and easy to explore!
Look out for the River Derwent – east and the Westfield Shopping Centre – south; St
Mary’s Church – north; Library and Museum – west. Pride Park is to the east of the
city. The University is to the north west of the city – about four and a half miles but
buses are frequent.
Safety: Your safety is your responsibility – try to keep up. We will have information and
question stops on route and end up in the Market Square.
If you wish to stop off and drop off that is fine! There are a few steps but these can be
avoided.
Toilets are at The Spot, Westfield and Eagle Centres and in bus station
The centre of Derby is traffic free.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Wish you were in California, New Zealand, Botany Bay or
Dunkirk and not Derby – well these are all places in Derby!
City Status 7th June 1977
Had an M.P. from 11th century
One of the first two Labour seats in the country – Richard Bell
M.P. – donated money for the first library.
Cultural Centre for the Deaf Community. Has National Sikh
Centre
Key firms: Rolls Royce, Toyota, Bombardier, Hero – TSC – Sky,
Alstrom, Tomb Raider, Royal Crown Derby
Pride Park is a 180 acre site to the east of the river – Money
from the Government’s City Challenge – launched October 1992
was used to develop the old Chaddesden railway sidings site –
still being developed.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
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1801 – 11,000
1821 – 17,500
1841 – 33,000
1861 – 43,000
1881 – 58,000
1886 - 81,000
1901 – 69,000
1931 – 142,000
1974 – 217,930
2011 - 245,000
Made a city in 1977
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Manufacturing
Construction
Services
19% +
5% 76% -
Hotels
20% Transport
4% Finance
19% Administration
29% +
Tourism
6% + / - Compared with the average for Britain
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
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One of the Danish Five boroughs – Nottingham, Lincoln, Leicester, Stamford
were the others
Where the lowland meet the Midland Plain ‘The Gateway to the Peak’
River Crossing for Ryknield Street – St. David’s in Wales to the river Tyne
mouth – across St Mary’s Bridge
‘A crossing of ways’ Routes to the south, east and west unobstructed by hills
Route to the north facilitated by the valley of the River Derwent
Within easy reach of a number of important rocks and minerals – coal, iron,
lead, gypsum, clay, wood. Third richest county in Medieval times.
A variety of agricultural land suitable for grazing – cattle and sheep and
arable – especially wheat.
Was made a Royal Borough since before 1066 – privileges – monopoly in
dyeing cloth, merchant guild, freedom of serfs and the luxury of expelling the
Jews from the town!
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The River Derwent [Derventio Roman] now a World
Heritage Site flows from Swines Greave on the eastern
side of Bleaklow 6 miles from Glossop 590m above sea
level south to the River Trent to Derwent Mouth, near
Shardlow on the Grand Union Canal 30m above sea
level and a distance of 66 miles or 106 km
The River flows through Matlock and divides
Derbyshire into two but provides an easy route into the
county. Now followed by Railway and Road Route A6
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First came on their way to subdue the Brigantes
Developed a settlement called Dervento on the banks
of the River Derwent called Little Chester by the
Saxons – from 941-1867 this was in St. Alkmunds and
all Saints’ Ward of the city.
Rynkeld Street ran through this settlement
The Romans were probably auxiliaries from France and
guarded the routes from the north
The Romans used the resources found in Derbyshire –
especially minerals - lead
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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The Saxons avoided the old Roman settlement and
built their settlement around where the Cathedral now
stands.
The Wardwick was farmed by the Saxons – Walda’s
wick or Walda’s farm
Many of the local village and now names in suburbia
are of Saxon origin:
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The Anglo Saxon name for Derby was Northweorthig –
north land or portion of the land.
The Danish name for Derby was Dyrby, Deoraby,
Dyreby – Deor – an animal, wild beast or deer by –
Scandinavian for abode, habitation for animals.
Dwr – Celtic for water Derwentby – the town by the
Derwent side
Called Doribi on King Ethelwuf’s 837-857 coin and
Deorabui – on King Athelstane 924 -940 coin
Shire = Saxon Share of land
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Spondon – Shingle hill
Sinfin – Broad Fen
Quarndon – Quern place
Allestree – Ethelheard’s tree
Chaddesden – Land belonging to Ceadd in a valley
[den]
Alvaston – belonged to Alwald
Mackworth – where Macca lived
Breadsall – Where Braegd lived
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The Saxons were displaced by the Normans – much of the
land in Derby was given to William Ferrers or retained by
the king.
They needed a defensive site so expanded the settlement
to Normanton – on raised land
The Danes expanded into the present Market Place and
developed Iron Gate and Saddler Gate [Gate means street
in Danish]
At this time [AD 864] the town became a Royal Danish
Borough – larger and richer than Nottingham with a
population of about 1,200 with 243 burgesses or citizens
The settlement was recaptured by the Saxon Aethelflaeda
in August AD 917
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Derby was a firm Saxon town and therefore lost out
after the conquest, the town shrank [one third of its
houses lost] and the population halved.
This was part of ‘The harrying of the north’
Richard de Curzon took over Kedleston
Earl Ferrers built a castle at Duffield [just north of
Derby ]said to rival the Tower of London in size – it no
longer is there.
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Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Only Medieval Church [Norman] in Derby but much
restored and rebuilt – 1851-3 extended 1898
The St. Peter’s Free School was built behind the church –
foundation was in 1160 by Walter Durdant, Bishop of
Coventry. John Flamstead - who was Astronomer Royal
was educated there.
It was thought by the illiterate that Flamstead could foretell
events and a poor laundress requested that he might use
his art to find her missing property. With much mystery he
draw circles and squares and then told her she would find
her laundry in a nearby ditch – she went to look and found
her missing laundry.
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Not born in Derby but lived there. He moved to live in
Denby, north of Derby to avoid the plague for a time.
His father was a maltster who never left the town during
his life.
Born 1646 he was educated at the Free school in St Peters
– school behind the church
Celebrated astronomer and mathematician.
First Astronomer Royal and ‘gave us innumerable
observations of the sun, moon, and planets, which he
made very large instruments.’
He equipped the Observatory in Greenwich
He was described as an ‘honest and sincere man’.
His friends were Newton and Cassini
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Anthony Babington 1561-1586
He became a partisan of Mary Queen of Scots who
was imprisoned at Tutbury Castle near Burton upon
Trent. She rested in Derby in 1585.
He was an active agent for her and the Jesuits.
In 1586 Walsingham discovered his conspiracy to
murder Elizabeth I and used it to bring about his
downfall of Mary.
Babington was executed and his considerable
Derbyshire properties confiscated.
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‘Business was suspended for a battle of strength, agility
and endurance between the Parishes of All Saints’ and
St. Peter’s. And what stern resolve and persistent
effort, and reckless daring were exhibited by the
football champions, who, ignoring bruised shins and
broken heads, sometimes swam along the Derwent, or
penetrated the slimy drains in their anxiety to obtain
victory.’
There is a story that the balls were hung with blue
ribbons on one of the pinnacles of St. Peter’s Church.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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and The Plague
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Four of the six churches named in the Domesday book
still survive: All Saints’, St. Werburgh’s, St Peter’s and St
Michael’s. Most grouped together as in the Danish
tradition of a church quarter.
All Saints’ and St Alkmunds pre-date Domesday. St
Alkmunds was destroyed with the construction of the
ring-road.
Religious Houses: St Helen’s 1137; St James 1140;
Blackfriars 1239
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St Mary’s Chapel – only one of the few surviving in Britain. It was designed for travellers to
pray for the safe return from their journeys.
St Ethelfleda is said to have built the first bridge in gratitude for a victory at Derby. The
bridge was a wooden one and was replaced in stone, money raised through a ‘pontage’ or
‘bridge –rate’ – 10 pigs paid 1d. Ethelfleda was daughter of King Alfred and the Princess
leader of the Mercian's – she fought a desperate battle near the bridge and sent the Danes
take to the castle eventually fly!
It was a wooden toll bridge at one time run by a local hermit[s] - he had a dispute with
Robert Allen and William Thurkell who refused to pay the toll and assaulted him – they were
fined
Two recusants – people who would not attend the established church in the time of Queen
Elizabeth – Robert Ludham and Nicholas Garlick who were found hiding in a chimney were
hung drawn and quartered and their bodies hung over the bridge in 1588 but were rescued
by two Roman Catholic gentlemen.
In the year of the Amada the Derwent Flooded and washed away the bridge
In the Napoleonic Wars French prisoners maintained the bridge ‘poor gentlemen in goldlaced coats and frilled shirts pushed wheelbarrows for 6d a day.’
St Mary’s bridge was only one way and was soon replaced – only the pier on the Chapel side
is original. The main route from the east – Nottingham was improved by the building of
Exeter Bridge by the Corporation.
Reconstructed 1788 - 1793
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Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built in the time of
Middle Ages as a place for travellers to rest and pray.
A ‘bridge hermit’ lived there are depended upon
offerings from travellers
There were eight monasteries in Derby – St Helen’s
was dedicated in 1137
Daley Abbey was built in the 12th century
The Dominican Friars or Blackfriars built a friary on
Friar Gate 1239 - Nun’s Green 1332 – Station 18761877 – closed 1964 Beeching Axe.
St. James - 1140
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1536 the town’s monasteries were dissolved
1st August 1556 Joan Waste the 21 year old blind
daughter of a Derby baker was burnt at the stake for
preaching to prisoners in the local gaol.
25th July 1588 Richard Sympson, Robert Ludlam and
Nicholas Garlick were hung drawn and quartered
because of their Catholic faith and their bodies hung
over St. Mary’s bridge
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Opened in 1839 as a Roman Catholic Church
Said to be one of Pugin’s finest buildings and one of his
largest Parish Churches 1854
Built on a site not far from St. Alkmunds shrine – son of
Alcred King of Northumbria which was destroyed
when the inner ring road was built.
The road to St. Helen’s House formed the town ditch –
1233-1248
Most of the area was demolished for the Inner Ring
Road 1965 - 1967
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Called St Helen’s Monastery was founded in 1137 – occupied by
Monks of the order of St. Augustine and later became Derby School.
William Strutt bought St. Helen’s house and fitted it up as a Infirmary –
it was hot air heated with a steam engine to do the laundry and
installed gas light.
In 1872 new rooms were added which were opened by the Prince and
Princess of Wales. The day school had 3,000 pupils in the 1950’s
Famous students included the Hobson's – E. W. and J. A. who was an
economist
Palladian Mid 18th century
Ionic Portico
Was used as a centre for Further Education and now is to become the
corporate headquarters for a firm of accountants.
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John Whitehurst – a Congleton born mechanical genius
and an instrument worker wrote a book on ‘The State of
the Earth’ and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society.
He produced both the All Saints’ and the Guildhall Clocks.
Iron Gate – 1100 Core of the Saxon ‘burh’ ‘the street of
Smiths’ street of iron workers from 1483 Woolley ‘Inns and
shopkeepers’ Widened in 1866-9 and 1869 – 71 East side
demolished.
Liversage – after Robert Liversage set up charity 16th
century.
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Fine iron working was one of the key skills to be found
in Derby – q.v. Bakewell Screen and machinery for the
Lombe silk Mill it is not surprising that Derby
developed as a specialist centre for the making of large
mainly public clocks.
Whitehurst: One of the most famous of English clock
makers
Smiths: Still in business
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All Saints’ once had a steeple but this was pulled down and a tower raised by public
subscription – Robert Liversage – a wealth Derby Dyer subscribed; money was also raised
through Church Ales or bazaars.
The tower took twenty five years to build – local builders William Barrow and George
Bowden. It is the tallest in the country – except for Boston Stump. Hutton – the historian saw
a dog fall from the top and was surprised how long it took to fall to the ground and be killed.
It is evidence of the wealth of the town and the importance of Wool fulling and malting
Originally it had no pews.
All Saints’ is Derby Cathedral – 16th century tower 174 ft high – second highest in England
completed in 1530 – a reflection of the importance of the town.
The architect James Gibbs the Architect of St. Martin-in-the –Fields inside was paid £25 to
redesign the Cathedral. The first organ was one from a local Music Hall. The first clock was
made by Whitehurst.
Made a Cathedral in 1927
Robert Bakewell – local smith died 1752 wrought iron screen and the tomb of Bess of
Hardwick, Elizabeth of Shrewsbury – John Smythson 1607 – architect of Wollaton Hall,
Nottingham
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1732 on a rope attached to the tower and St. Michael’s Church a man slid
down the rope with his arms and legs extended blowing a trumpet and
firing a pistol. The transit took eight seconds!
1734 another his coat in dishabille, no waistcoat, his shoes and shirt worse
for wear, his hat not worth three pence and black string holding up his
trousers. The rope this time extended to the bottom of St Mary’s Gate. He
was to draw a wheelbarrow after him in which sat a boy of thirteen. After
this an donkey was to fly down, armed with a breastplate and on each
foot a lump of lead. The man arrived safely; the rope broke at the height
of the Crown court - the donkey fell on top of the crowd at the bottom –
the a donkey was unhurt but not the crowd that it fell upon – no one died!
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The Bell, Old County Offices, The Court House, the
Judges Lodgings
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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St Mary’s Gate – 1660 – rainwater heads 1659
Judges lodgings 1811
Bold Lane – after ‘Bolt Lane’ – crossbow bolt first
named in 1570. Bold also might be from ‘Building’
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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In 1651 George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends
marched into a Derby church and interrupted a
sermon. He was arrested and sentenced to twelve
months imprisonment but not before be bade the
magistrate, ‘Gervase’ Bennett to ‘tremble at the word
of the Lord’ Bennett called him a ‘Quaker’ and the
name struck!
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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George Fox came to Derby and interrupted a church
service and denounced the vicar – he was arrested and
came before Justice Bennett.
George Fox founder of the Society of Friends, said of
him: ‘Justice Bennett of Derby was the first that called
us Quakers because I bid him tremble at the word of
the Lord’ and this was in 1650.
Justice Bennett on the other hand said that it was
because of their trembling accents
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Wardwick – 1876 R. Knill Freeman Gothic Style, FrancoFlemish tower
Bell M.P. sponsored it!
Contains the remains of Exeter House and has a fine
museum and art gallery
Museum 1963 – T.W. East
Wardwick is the earliest Derby name 1085 – Wardwick
Street – named after an early Saxon Princess AD 699 –
Saxon Market Site?
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St Werburgh’s is dedicated to the granddaughter of the
great Mercian King Pendra and built about AD700.
The present building except for the tower [1601] dates
from 1699 restored 1894. Dr. Samuel Johnson was
married there to Elizabeth ‘Tetty’ Porter in 1735.
The Strand – 1880 – John Somes Story – covers the
course of the Markeaton Brook inspired by The Strand
in London – Architect Giles and Brookhouse.
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The Bell in Sadler Gate [recorded 1248/1261] was a famous
coaching inn where horses were changed. As the coach
rushed through the gates into the court yard ostlers rushed
out to hold the horses. The coachman, wrapped in two
large overcoats, one on the top of another and wearing a
wide brimmed hat, a coloured handkerchief around his
neck, put his whip away and got down from his box.
Passengers going further would dine in the coffee room.
The yard was full of passengers, idlers sightseers, ostlers,
coachmen and as busy as a railway platform before a train
departs.
A wagon from Derby to London took five days; a Stage
Coach – 3 days at a cost of £1/8/- with 14 Lbs of luggage –
children half price if on the lap. A stage was 14 miles.
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Assembly Rooms, Guild Hall and Indoor Victorian
Market
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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In the centre of the town – roads radiated from the Market Place in all
directions – did not exist prior to 1100
Described by Defoe as ‘A town of gentry rather than trade’
It was the site not only for the Market but also the Guild Hall – there
have been four – the first a small two storey timber framed building –
housed the gaol, Town Council Room, Borough Court and Assizes.
The present Guild Hall was built 1828 and remodelled in 1842 by
Duesbury after a fire. Two reliefs – by John Bell – Science and Industry.
A stone market cross was located in the Market Place which at one
time became broken and was called the ‘broken cross’.
Thomas Bott sold his wife with a halter around her waist for 18 pence
in the Market Place.
War Memorial - 1924 11th November
Fountain Walter Pye 1991
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Burgess could elect their own Chief officer
After living in Derby for a year and a day no man could
be made a slave except in the King’s service
Monopoly of cloth dyeing within a ten mile radius
Markets could be held twice weekly and no man
except the King could seize goods to repay a debt.
The Burgesses could impose tolls on boats crossing the
Derwent
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In the 17th century the Corporation was a ‘closed shop’
and councillors were for life
1817 June England's last Revolution – The Pentrich
Rebellion resulted in Jeremiah Bradreth, Isaac Ludham
and William Turner being hung and decapitated – the
Ghosts of St Werburgh’s
1832 Reform Riots
1835 Election of the town council put in the hands of
the ratepayers
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West side – Bank of Samuel Smith now National
Westminster in Italian Palazzo style 1877-9
Iron Gate – Number 43 Lloyds – early 18th century
Dolphin Inn 16th century gable – 1580 date
The original Assembly Room was on the east side and
was gutted by fire – the façade was retained and now
stands in the Crich Tramway Museum
The inner ring road was opened in 1967 and St.
Alkmunds was lost for ever.
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The Plague visited the town many times but was particularly severe in
1665.
Hutton says: ‘The town was forsaken; farmers declined the Market Place
and grass grew. To prevent famine the inhabitants erected at the top of
Nun’s Green [Friar Gate] what was given the name of the Headless Cross…
Hither the market people, having their mouths primed with tobacco as a
preservative, brought their provisions, stood at a distance form their
property. The buyer was not allowed to touch any of the purchases before
it was bought but when the agreement was finished he took the goods
and deposited the money in a vessel filled with vinegar set for the
purpose.
Hutton says that the plague never visited the premises of a tobacconist, a
tanner or a shoemaker.
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Civic Centre – 1971 - 6 Casson Cander and Partners –
site of assembly rooms gutted by fire in 1963
The old assembly room was opened in 1714 and was
well known for its balls, card parties – it was so select
that traders and other citizens never saw beyond its
threshold.
The Exchange – Corn Exchange 1861-1862
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18 63 - 1864 Thornburn 220 ft by 110 ft , Fish market
60 feet.
The roof is formed from wrought iron semi-ribs
spanning 106 ft with 22 columns placed 12 feet from
the side walls
Could hold 6,000 standing
A marvel at the time of its construction
Liverpool and Birkenhead Markets are larger.
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The first Derby Newspaper was ‘The Derby Postman’
1717 – 1½d
A Gainsborough printer by the name of Mozley moved
to Derby – presses and workforce by boat. One of his
apprentices was William Bemrose.
Bemrose were one of the biggest security printers in
Britain until they were taken over
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Exeter House, Exeter Bridge, The Council House
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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The fist bridge built here was a wooden one linking Mayor Bingham’s Exeter House
with his gardens n the other side.
The present bridge, this is the second on the site was designed by the Charles Aslin –
the Council Architect and opened by Herbert Morrison 13 March 1931. Length 50m,
width 15m, height 10 m – little used since the building of the ring road. Tested with
traction engines.
Commemorative Plaques to: John Lombe – Silk Mill, William Hutton – Bookseller and
Historian, Herbert Spencer- Scientist Principles of Biology 1864 – ‘Survival of the fittest’
and Erasmus Darwin – Physician and poet – grandfather of Charles Darwin – Radical
thinker and American Revolutionist – linked with the abolition of the Slave Trade –
member of the Lunar Society – lived in Litchfield.
Derwent Street was not named until 1826 – the design for the first bridge was by
Richard Trubshaw – Samuel Harper supervised the construction ,he was Derby’s first
surveyor.
Also Exeter House on Full Street - now demolished. This is where the Council of War
was held on 6th December before Prince Charles rode on his black horse through the
Market Place to Ashbourne and home.
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Built 1938 – 1941
Architect C. A. Aslin – The Borough Architect
Renovated 2013
Long Bridge crossed the River Derwent – in use by
1795 unsafe 1950 demolished 1959 – to take the tow
path of the derby Canal across the river.
Cockpit Hill – from ‘cope’ old Norse ‘Kaup’ – bargain –
market – near old market.
Mortedge – Anglo-Saxon ‘maere’ stream boundary –
Markeaton Brook. Also William Merlage held it in the
1472 also means ‘low dirty street’
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
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Thomas Hutton – William’s Grandfather - flaxdresser
in Derby ‘never resided out of St. Alkmund’s Parish, nor
100 yards from the church’ Never did he travel more
than 12 miles from his home in the whole of his life.
William Hutton was a Historian and bookseller
William worked at the silk mill which it is said had
machines worked by children treading a wheel.
Hutton began at the age of seven and served for seven
years.
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Association April MMXIII
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4th December 1745 two soldiers rode to the George
Inn and demanded billets for 9,000 [7,000] men – they
were the vanguard of the rebel army marching towards
London. This number was slightly less than the total
population of the town!
Lord George Murray lodged in the Market Place, The
young Pretender lodged in the mansion of Lord Exeter
in Full Street – he was 25 years old.
They were described as ‘ no better than a herd of
Hottentots or wild monkeys’
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Ship Money: Three towns in Derbyshire had to provide
a ship of 350 tons wages for a crew of 140 with food
and ammunition – Sir John Gell was tasked with raising
the money.
1642 Charles I marched through Derby after raising his
Standard in Nottingham but shortly after Sir John Gell
set up his Parliamentary HQ in Derby – Derby supplied
860 men – Derbyshire 15,000
At the end of the war in the Commonwealth the Derby
force was sent to Ireland
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Exeter House on Full Street - this was Derby’s largest domestic
house. This is where the Council of War was held on 6th
December 1745 before Prince Charles rode on his black horse
through the Market Place to Ashbourne and home only to be
defeated at the battle of Culloden in 1746.
Charles Edward Stuart was hosted by the mother of his food
taster Samuel Ward. He presented her with a fine diamond ring
in recognition of here hospitality.
17th Century brick mansion – named after the Earls of Exeter –
demolished in 1854. Replaced by the Charles Aslin Magistrates
Court 1935 – now disused but to become the new Derby
Records Office.
Death of the 8th Earl of Exeter sold 1757 to John Bingham the
Mayor of Derby – 1773, bought by Jedediah Strutt – died 1797.
Then occupied by the Mayor of Derby Edward Mousley.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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1745 December 4th Prince Charlie – the New Pretender
‘wearing tartan and a green gold bonnet over a white wig
rode into the Market Place bagpipes being played.’ He
stayed at Exeter House.
His secretary – Murray is said to have gone into a local Inn
and asked for accommodation for 7,000 or was it 9,000?
He ‘borrowed’ £3,00 from the local land tax office.
Some of his men were described as ‘ feends out of hell and
cut throats’.
Left the town on 6th December 1745 for Scotland via
Ashbourne
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Thomas Cotchett brought stocking frames from Holland
and a local millwright George Sorocold erected them on
the north end of Derwent Island. They had 1,340 spindles
and 8,410 bobbins and were operated by a 13½ foot water
wheel.
John Lombe was an apprentice in Cotchett Mill. He
discovered that Italian Machines were better than Dutch.
He went to Italy – worked in an Italian Mill – memorised
the workings of the mill and the machinery – returned in
1717 and got local workmen to build new machines and
took over Cotchett’s Mill
Full Street – Anglo Saxon ‘ful’ meant foul 1599 first named
on a map. Woolley says it was one of the most fashionable
addresses in Derby.
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Was a millwright and engineer [c1690] was involved in
the building of the Silk Mill. Showing friends around he
fell into the mill race but was pulled out unhurt.
Without Sorocold’s skill it is doubtful whether the silk
mill would have worked.
Machines 1702 for Thomas Crothett replaced in 17171718 by Thomas and John Lombe’s Mill
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Thomas Cotchett – a Barrister and an old man brought four Dutch Silk
machines [1,340 spindles and 8,410 bobbins] to Derby. He used
George Sorocold to build the water wheel [13.5 feet in diameter]
John Lombe was an apprentice at the mill and had heard that Italian
Machines were better than Dutch. He went to Italy to work in an
Italian Silk Mill and memorised the machines and how they worked.
He got back in 1717 and with money lent by his half brother Thomas
took over Cotchett’s Mill. With Sorocold help he replicated the
machines he had seen in Italy. John died in 1729 when he was only 29,
some say he was poisoned by a woman the Italians had employed.
Thomas took over the mill – he was later knighted.
In 1828 1,000 people worked there. 1910 fire
William Hutton worked there at the age of eight.
Three processes Winding, throwing and doubling.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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A new 5 floored mill was built upon oak piles with a tall bell
tower to call people to work.
There were several processes – Silk throwing, Winding, twisting
and doubling.
In 1828 1,000 hands were employed.
The mill had 26 machines,102 large windows on each floor and
12,600 spindles. The factory was operated by a 23 ft water
wheel.
A ‘Fire-engine’ was employed to keep the silk dry and in
condition.
The silk was brought – by river from Spain, Italy and China
John Lombe died in 1729 at the age of 29! Some say he was
poisoned by an Italian servant. His brother carried on.
Ravaged by fire in 1910
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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It has been argued that the Derby Silk Mill was the first
real factory in Britain because:
Production was power driven by machinery – one
water wheel was converted into 97,000 actions
A bell was used to call people to work – they worked
for fixed hours – it employed 200 people
The timing of production was by machine and not
workers
Mass out-put Corbett noted that 73,726 yards of silk
were made every turn of the water wheel.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Born on a farm in South Normanton
Invented a frame which would knit ribbed stockings
called the Derby Ribbed Frame
Went into partnership with Richard Arkwright in 1771
– built a water driven cotton mill at Cromford. Strutt
went into partnership but built his own calico factory in
Derby. This was built as a ‘fire-proofed’ factory copied
from the construction of the Palais Royale in Paris.
Strutt Park – the first….!
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Jedediah Strutt was born in South Normanton in 1726. In 1740
he became wheelwright apprentice at Findern. In 1754 he
inherited a small stock of animals and married Elizabeth Woolatt
in 1755.
Moved to Blackwell where he had inherited a farm from his
uncle. He started a business caring coal from Denby Mine to
Belper and Derby.
Strutt’s brother-in-law – William Woolatt employee - a Mr.
Roper of Locko developed the idea of an attachment to the
stocking frame for making ribbed stockings. Strutt sold a horse
for £5 and bought the idea off Roper – Patent 1759.
Strutt and Need joined Arkwright in building a Cotton Mill at
Cromford which used a water frame.
Note also William Strutt and Belper
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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The Locomotive Works, The Railway Station and
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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River Derwent dredged and deepened in 1721 access to the North Sea
Derby Canal to the River Trent and to Nottingham, Liverpool, London –
London about 169 miles by waterway – 130 by rail.
Railways developed: Three Railway Companies converged on Derby: The
Midland Counties, Birmingham – Derby and the North Midland. These
amalgamated and on 10 May 1844 became The Midland Railway.
The Midland Railway did not have a London terminus so used Euston but after
a link up with the Great Northern on 1st February 1858 used King’s Cross. St.
Pancras opened for use on 1st October 1868.
Note: Chaddesden Sidings now redeveloped as Pride Park. Variety of uses
Football, Education, Offices, Retail Park – still being developed.66
The Handiside bridge – on Friar Gate Andrew Handiside - iron founders 1878
for the Great Northern Railway. Pickford’s House [Pickford for a local
Georgian Architect] also there.
Development of the M1, A52 , A38 , A50 and inner ring roads – Derby has
excellent transport links.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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The quarter once employed 8,000 and ranged over 20
acres – 1894
The Railway works were noted for standardisation.
They used the Whitworth and John Fernie system.
The Roundhouse - 1860 could hold 16 locomotives at
once.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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The Midland Hotel was designed for first class
passengers only. The ‘hunting and shooting’ 1840 Late
Georgian in style one of the earliest surviving railway
hotels. Designed by ‘Railway Thompson’ Francis
Thompson – architect to the North Midland railway.
The Brunswick was designed for ‘the shunting and
hooting’
The Railway Institute as The Reading Society 1850 later
the Midland Institute opened in 1892 Dinner 2/2
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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The Brunswick – Queen Victoria was from the House
of Brunswick – it was named after her.
The area was constructed by the North Midland
Railway Company to house their workers. 92 houses all
very over crowded – many housing 12 people. Railway
Terrace – 2/- a week rent.
The Brunswick Railway and Commercial Inn opened in
1842 – Breakfast 1/6
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
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Joseph Wright 3rd September 1734 – 29th August 1797 Born in
Iron Gate
‘first painter to express the spirit of the Industrial Revolution’ –
used contract in light and dark – called chiaroscuro – Italian for
light and dark.
Studied in London 1751 under Thomas Hudson who he later
worked with. 1753 in derby painting portraits of the wealthy.
Went to Liverpool 1768-1771. Married Hannah [Ann] Swift 28th
July 1773 – visited Italy 1775 where he witness the eruption of
Mount Vesuvius – 6 children only three of whom survived
infancy. Worked in Bath as a Portrait painter.
1781 Elected member of the Royal Academy
Close friends with Josiah Wedgewood, Richard Arkwright,
Erasmus Darwin – member of the Lunar Society.
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Experiment with the Bird and the Air pump 1768
Dovedale in Moonlight
The alchemist in search of the Philosopher's Stone
1771
The Philosopher's Lecturing on the Orrery 1762
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
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Samuel Smiths Bank
Dolphin Inn 1583
East Midlands Electricity Sub station – 1963-9 Peter
Coake
Saint Helen’s House – Palladian – 18th century Portico
Severn Stars Inn – 1680
Jury Street Arms of William III
Bold Lane Theatre converted malt house 1773
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One of the first in the country on the Osmaston Road –
15 acres.
Given to the city by Joseph Strutt and laid out by the
celebrated Loudon. A value at the time of £10,000
At first was not free to the masses except on Sundays six pence charged on week days.
The trees are planted on embankments
Opened 16th September 1840
Included a ‘Crystal Palace’ for growing tender plants
and for exhibitions and Canon captured during the
Crimean War
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John Heath a local banker and Alderman and Mayor of Derby – 1750 –
decided to exploit the fashion for the use of china.
He had no clue about how to make it so hired two Frenchmen who knew the
technique and ‘poached’ William Duesbury from the Chelsea Factory in
London where he was designer as manager and chief designer.
The factory was soon employing 200.
The first china had a blue border.
Dr. Johnson said that it was cheaper to buy vessels of silver than Derby China.
William Billingsley and John Keys became important flower painters of
Crown Derby
John Heath’s Bank failed but William Duesbury carried on.
The factory has been taken over several times since latterly by Royal Dolton
but is now back in private hands- has fine museum and very expensive shop walk able
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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Rolls Royce – 1906 on Osmaston Road they came from
Manchester to make cars. Rolls Royce shopped around for
a new site comparing land prices, water supply, railway
facilities and the cost of electricity and selected Derby.
Merlin engines for spitfires and the RB 211 jet engine was
developed at Derby.
1960’s crisis – development costs of the new jet engine.
Now in addition marine engines and nuclear power plants
for submarines are produced in Derby. The maintenance
business is now worth almost as much as the engine
production business. The cars are not now made at Derby.
Just before World War Two Rolls Employed 7,000 in Derby.
Rolls Royce has several locations in Derby. Most of its
facilities are new.
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
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This was built as another indoor market between 19691971 on a 12 acre site . Named after Eagle street 1791
Architects Elsom, Pack? and Roberts
It gives access now to the Westfield Centre
Originally the stalls were hexagonal – as an ideal
tessellation but shoppers continually got lost or couldn't
find the stall they were looking for so it reverted to a grid
iron pattern
It is little used now and there are few stalls.
It gives access to The Derby Playhouse owned by the
University of Derby
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45 civilian deaths
4,000 houses damaged
1942 July Rolls Royce attacked – 22 killed and 40
injured
Peter S. Fox for The Geographical
Association April MMXIII
The Geographical Association
IV MMXIII