Derby is an industrial city noted mainly for its Rolls-Royce works and large china manufacturers. It lies on the west bank of the Derwent not far from its junction with the Trent. The town flourished during the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century and preserves many buildings of that period, particularly in the center. It has a notable cathedral with a tower that dates from 1510 to 1530. Derby is a good center from which to explore the Peak District, now a national park. Darley Park is the site of a free open-air concert each year.
The Roman fort of Derventio lay on the opposite bank of the Derwent at Little Chester.
In 1715 John Lombe built the first silk mill in England here, and in 1756 William Duesbury founded the first porcelain manufactory. Thereafter silk and porcelain brought the town prosperity, and it grew rapidly. In 1877 the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company was established, reviving the manufacture of porcelain. Derby's involvement in the motor industry began in 1906 with the founding of Rolls-Royce by Frederick Henry Royce; the company began exporting cars almost immediately.
The open-air tram museum at Crich (12.5mi/20km north of Derby, 6mi/10km southeast of Matlock) carries the visitor back to an almost forgotten era. Its collection of more than 40 horse-drawn, steam-powered and electric trams, gathered together from all over the world, provides a unique glimpse into the history of the tram from 1873 to 1953.
Address: National Tramway Museum, Matlock Road, Crich DE4 5DP, England
Hours:
February 9 to February 24: 10:30am-4pm
March 1 to March 20: 10:30am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
March 21 to November 2: 10am-5:30pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Tips: Family (2 adults, 3 children).
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
The church of All Saints became the Cathedral in 1927. The tower, built 1508-1527, is 210ft/64m high; the church itself was remodeled by James Gibbs in 1722-1725. It contains the tombs of Bess of Hardwick (Elizabeth Countess of Shrewsbury, died 1608) and Henry Cavendish.
Address: Derby Cathedral, 18/19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP, England
Numerous racing cars and motorcycles are to be found in the Donington Grand Prix Collection. Of particular note is a Spitfire that rests in the center of the track.
Address: Donington Grand Prix Collection, Donington Park Castle, Derby DE74 2RP, England
The Industrial Museum (a short distance northwest of Derby; Rolls-Royce aero engines etc.) occupies a former silk mill founded in 1717. Entrance is through an elaborate wrought iron gate (1728) by Robert Blakewell.
Address: Industrial Museum, The Silk Mill Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AR, England
Hours:
10am-5pm; Sun:2pm-5pm; Mon:11am-5pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Ripley (pop. 18,691) is a small town in Derbyshire located 10mi/16km northeast of Derby. There are number of fine 19th century buildings in Ripley including Butterley Hall and the Church of All Saints.
Address: Ripley Tourist Office, Town Hall Market Place, Ripley DE5 3BT, England
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Kedleston Hall
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Ripley, England
