16 mind-blowing secrets that you never knew about Derbyshire's historic city
Explore 16 mind-blowing secrets of Derbyshire's historic city, from the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution to its haunted history.
Derby is an intriguing city and quite possibly one of the most underrated in the country.
It may sometimes feel as if Derby sits in the shadows of larger cities such as neighbouring Nottingham and Leicester, however it has an incredible heritage that Derbians should be well proud of too!
The quirky city in the heart of the country hides some jaw-dropping facts.
It’s where the Industrial Revolution started and is home to the world’s oldest factory.
For those who love all things supernatural, did you know Derby holds the spooktacular badge of being one of the most haunted cities in the UK?
Are you ready to have your mind blown about all things Derby? Dive into our list right here.
Discover Derby’s fascinating facts
Arks on River Derwent
A Derby man built himself an ark that he floated up and down River Derwent in the 17th century. Noah Bullock, who is reported to have been a counterfeiter, was pulled up in front of the Recorder for Derby, Sir Simon Degge, who commuted his sentence.
Derby first non-centric London town to have piped water
Did you know Derby was the first provincial town outside of London to have piped water?
In 1691 George Sorocold proposed a scheme that would allow water to be pumped around the town centre. So in many ways it can be said Derby is a trailblazer!
Royal Crown Derby boasts regal connections and is found throughout the world
We bet Royal Crown Derby has one of the best ‘little black books’ of all time, bursting with high flying contacts and tip top movers and shakers that ever strolled the earth.
Yes Royal Crown Derby is famous for producing beautiful high-quality porcelain. The company has been manufacturing porcelain since 1750 and holds royal warrants.
But, as far as collabs go, it could be said Royal Crown Derby is the GOAT. Epic hook-ups over the years include giants Bloomingdales, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods.
Their client list also boasts some incredible names including Royal Households (they’re keeping schtum into exactly who they supply to) and superyacht interior designers Glancy Fawcett and Claire Tizard.
Donkey on tightrope in Derby city centre
In 1732, an intrepid record breaker and death defying daredevil carried out a bizarre stunt.
He tried to lead a donkey down the tightrope between Derby Cathedral, from the top of All Saints to the bottom of St Mary’s Gate.
It did not end well. Although no one was killed, the donkey fell off the rope and hundreds of people gathered below on pavements were left ‘maimed and bruised.’
First dictionary in the world has Derby origins
St Werburgh’s Church signifies world importance. It is where Samuel Johnson - one of the forefathers of the English dictionary - married Elizabeth ‘Tetty’ Porter in 1735.
Bonnie Prince Charlie retreats Derby
History buffs will no doubt love this. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived in Derby during his ill-fated quest to seize the throne. It was here in Derby that he made the decision to retreat. Now in an alternate universe, if Bonnie Prince Charlie had not retreated from Derby, it is likely the Jacobite army would have marched on London, potentially leading to a change in the British monarchy with repercussions rippling through today.
Derby Gaol on Friar Gate site of major incident where Reform Bill Riots took place
In 1831 Derby was a hotbed of rebellion.
Large scale rioting took place outside Derby Gaol and the city. It was part of a wider wave of unrest following the defeat of the Second Reform Bill which sparked rioting and public anger across the country.
Britain’s first public park opens - in Derby
In 1840 The Arboretum, which was Britain’s first public park, opened its gates.
The Grade II listed park was commissioned by top man Joseph Strutt
Some of the trees are listed on the British Isles Tree Register which is a catalogue of notable trees in the country recorded by the Forestry Commission.
Derby County Football Club makes history
DCFC was born in 1884 and this date matters because it makes DCFC one of the oldest clubs in the world. It is one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888, making it one of only 10 clubs in the country to have competed in every season of the English football league.
World renowned Rolls-Royce opens Derby factory
Did you know Derby is the original home of Rolls-Royce? Since opening the factory in 1908 the city continues to be a major centre for aerospace and engineering.
Haunted Derby
Derby is widely considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the UK.
Ignominious badge aside, it is also a giant, quivering magnet for those who love all things that go bump in the night.
If you’re a supernatural fan, head on over to the ancient Derby Gaol at 50 /51 Friar Gate in Derby, which is also thought to be one of the city’s most haunted locations.
Perhaps you can sink a pint at the Old Bell Hotel and see if you can spot any ghosts?
This pub’s 375 year history has told many tales of terror including one involving room 29 where Mabel, a maid, hung herself.
Bess of Hardwick tomb in Derby
Derby Cathedral is the final resting place of Bess of Hardwick, one of the most powerful women of the Elizabethan era. Hailing from humble beginnings, she rose in society to eventually become the second wealthiest woman in the kingdom after Queen Elizabeth I.
Engineering excellence in the city
Derby has a strong heritage in engineering and is reputed for its contributions to the rail industry. It is the home of the largest cluster of rail businesses in the world.
Derby's secret war effort
According to MyCityHunt, Derby cracked top secret enemy codes from an unassuming site, no other than Derby College.
The college's Midland Agricultural and Dairy Institute is said to have been secretly transformed into a listening station code-named ‘Y-Station Derby'.
Here it intercepted German communications and sent them to Bletchley Park for decryption.
Derby launches Industrial Revolution
When Derby Silk Mill opened in 1721, it also launched the Industrial Revolution. Yes, Derby has been ahead of the curve for many centuries, leading the way for significant technological change as economies migrated from basic systems to machine manufacturing.
Cheese history in Derby
Derby Sage which dates back to 1670 was created to amplify good health with the addition of sage. Today the recipe is back in the county at Hartington Creamery in Pikehall, Derbyshire, for the first time in 125 years.
Why not grab a slice of history and taste Sage Derby cheese? If you do, let us know how you found it, we’d love to know in the comments below!