This illustrated history portrays one of England's finest counties. It
provides a nostalgic look at Derbyshire's past and highlights the
special character of some of its most important historic sites. The
photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique
collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents
covering England's archaeology, architecture, social and local history.
Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and
cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas
and seaside resorts. Much of the Peak District National Park lies within
Derbyshire, marking the southern end of the Pennine Hills, and the area
attracts many visitors to both its moorland scenery, with landmarks such
as Kinder Scout, Mam Tor and the scenic River Derwent and Dovedale river
valleys. Several large coalfields also lie in Derbyshire and coal mining
was an important industry in Derbyshire until recently, as well as
mining for other minerals such as lead. The natural resources in the
county meant that it was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution and
the major city Derby became a centre of manufacturing, not least for
Rolls-Royce, and other towns such as Chesterfield, Long Eaton and
Ilkeston also prospered through industrial development. Many smaller
towns such as Buxton, Bakewell and Matlock have an interesting heritage
and attract many visitors today, as well as some of the finest large
houses in the country such as Chatsworth House and Kedlestone Hall.
