30 rare photos reveal life in Derby and Derbyshire more than 120 years ago

A fascinating collection of old photographs offers a rare glimpse into life in Derbyshire during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The images capture the changing face of the county in the years surrounding Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 — a time of national mourning and social change.

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Among the photos are striking scenes from Riddings Park Fair, where families gathered for rides, games and entertainment — a much-anticipated highlight for local communities.

Travelling showmen brought colourful stalls, steam-powered rides and curiosities from town to town, marking an era when fairs were the heart of rural life.

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You can also glimpse the county’s vast array of stately homes in all their glory more than 100 years ago.

These images remind us of a time when everyday life moved at a slower pace, yet communities came together for celebration, tradition, and remembrance.