BOOKS SHOWING PAST TIMES, FROM OUR BOOKSHOP VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF DERBYSHIRE ARE FOUND IN THE SECTION "BOOKS CAPTURING THE HISTORY OF UK TOWNS AND CITIES". The following are covered: Alfreton, Bolsover, Buxton, Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Derby, Glossop, Ripley and Codnor. For more information go to our England-Central Shop: either click on the red frame on the left-hand side or click here.

Derby is the "county town" of Derbyshire and has a history dating back to the Romans. A Roman fort was established shortly after the Roman invasion of Britain in 43AD. The earliest evidence of the fort dates from 54AD and was given the name of Derventio. The Roman road of Ryknield Street ran from South West England, via another fort (Wall ) to Derventio, then swinging north to Chesterfield and Doncaster. Another main Roman road ran from Chester (near the Welsh border) , via Chesterton and Rocester to Derventio. It is interesting that these places carry the names, "Chester", "Cester","Caster", perhaps all harping back to these earlier times. The later town (city) of Derby derives its name from Danish settlers and Derby emerged as a settlement following the dark ages. Danish settlement began in earnest in 877AD and historical evidence suggests Derby was in existence by 917AD.

Derby now is a thriving modern city with good amenities, whose street plan still shows much evidence of this early history, for those who choose to look. It has a modern shopping centre, of a size well suited to shopping but without the frustration sometime felt when shopping in a larger city.

Ashbourne lies in the south west part of the county and is an interesting and attractive market town, known for an ancient game of football. Ashbourne has a range of interesting antique shops and a church worth a visit. It is the town nearest to Dovedale. Derbyshire was much involved in the history of the "45". Prince Charles Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) marched through Derbyshire on the way to claim the throne in 1745. He was proclaimed King in Ashbourne market place on the 4th December. He did not make it beyond Derby and never claimed the throne.

MAPS FROM OUR BOOKSHOP !! Both Derby and Ashbourne can be found on Ordnance Survey map no 128. For more information on the range on the range of OS maps avaliable, try our England-Central Shop: either click on the red frame on the left-hand side or click here.

Bakewell. One of the delights of England is the English village and the English market town. Bakewell is a small market town and a good example, nestling in the valley of the river Wye and close to the stately homes of Chatsworth and Haddon Hall. Bakewell is also famous for a unique pudding ("Bakewell pudding"), which can still be sampled in the town.

Belper is a small town with an impressive range of everyday shops. It was a town dedicated to nail making and is dominated by the industrial revolution cotton mill of Jedediah Strutt. Belper is positioned by the River Derwent with pleasant river gardens.

Buxton, lies in the north of the county and in the heart of the "White Peak". For those who like more open scenery and the chance to get out into wide open spaces, then Buxton is a place to visit or stay. The town has regency architecture, a spar, a range of hotels, a theatre and a spectacular Victorian hotel overlooking the town.

Chesterfield is a larger market town situated to the east of the Peak District National Park. It is perhaps most famous for the unusual "Crooked Spire" of the main town church. Chesterfield has a useful shopping centre and easy access to open countryside and the larger city of Sheffield to the north. The Tudor stately home of Hardwick Hall, built by Bess of Hardwick is a few miles to the south.

Cycling: With many quiet back roads, cycling provides another useful way to get around, for the energetic. The hilly landscape can make it a challenging activity, but the effort is well rewarded. The more southerly parts of Derbyshire are perhaps less well known and provide a gentler landscape for the cyclist, with many quiet country lanes. The explorer will come upon some surprises.

Derby County Football Club. The local Premier League Football club has a distinguished history, being one of the founder members of the English Football League, at the end of the 19th century. The club plays in the Premier League and any visitors to Derby who are interested in attending a match, are ensured of top class football against top class opposition.

click for club history

Dovedale : This is perhaps the most famous Derbyshire Dale. No road passes along the Dale, but a car park gives access to a good path, providing a delightful walk in a typical Derbyshire Dale. The Dale is surrounded by beautiful countryside with hotels nearby for those who wish to spend some time here. For the more active, Thorpe Cloud (the hill at the foot of the dale) provides a stiff climb and beautiful views.

Flamsteed. Perhaps a little known fact outside Derbyshire is that the county provided the first Astronomer Royal. John Flamsteed was born in 1646 and educated in Derby, joining his father's business of brewing. However, his trips to London took him into influential circles and in 1675 Christopher Wren (of St.Paul's Cathedral fame) and Jonas Moore recommended the self educated Flamsteed to the Royal Society. Following a presentation to King Charles II, he found himself "Astronomer Royal" , a post he held until his death in1719. Obviously a meticulous observer, he mapped the heavens and improved the accuracy of astronomical observation. At one point he suggested the meridian should pass through Derby ! If this had been the case, the world might have had something more than a horse race named Derby (not named after the city).

Matlock.This town has long been a tourist centre and spar town. Matlock Bath is situated in a deep limestone ravine and is a delightful place to visit and sample the regency atmosphere. Matlock (pronounced Ma-tlock !) is situated a few miles away and provides a good centre for touring. Matlock Bath is a famous meeting place for the motorcycle fraternity who may look fierce, but are generally friendly. Their presence provides added interest and an opportunity to view a variety of bikes, both old and new, fast and slow. They park them and walk! The cable car provides a spectacular view of the ravine. The Parade provides lots of places to eat, drink and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. click for Matlock hotels

Rolls-Royce : Derby is the home of Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of Aero-Engines for the world's airlines.

Walking: One of the most popular outdoor activities is walking. Derbyshire has many attractive Dales with a typical English footpath system crisscrossing the county. Many attractive villages can be found, typically constructed in the local stone and a walk between villages (and pubs) takes some beating. More rugged walking can be undertaken in the northern part of the county. Kinder Scout is a famous destination for the serious walker.

Wirksworth is a small market town with many ancient buildings. It has associations with the novelist George Eliot and an unusual parish church if you can find it. (It is positioned off the main street and easily missed).

MAPS FROM OUR BOOKSHOP !! The rest of the towns featured here in this section can be found on Ordnance Survey map no 119. For more information on the range on the range of OS maps avaliable, try our England-Central Shop: either click on the red frame on the left-hand side or click here.

Well-Dressing: Many of the villages have a Well-Dressing festival, when flower petal pictures are prepared and used to decorate the village wells. In these high pennine villages, a good and fruitful water supply was essential and perhaps these festivals date back to early times.

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