A Guide to the County of Derbyshire, Naturally
Derbyshire is one of England’s many landlocked counties in the East Midlands, home to the Peak District, the city of Derby and many pretty villages.
Derby city has around 260,000 people, which is smaller than most cities. It’s also home to England’s smallest cathedral. With a strong history of cotton mills and railways, it’s base on the River Derwent made it a core contributor during the Industrial Revolution.
Derby is also home to England’s oldest public park. The Derby Arboretum, opened in 1840, and inspired city parks across England.
Joan Waste: Standing By Faith
Blind from birth, Joan Waste lived in the mid-1500s and worked as a rope maker. She wanted to read the Bible in English (not legal at the time) and so with help had words read to her.
Refusing to give up her faith, she was burned at the stake in Derby in 1556, just 22 years old. A plaque in her memory can be found near Derby cathedral.
Richard Bell (a real ‘MP for the people)’
Another local was Richard Bell, a railway worker who became one of England’s first Labour MPs, in the day when they fought for the common man.
He was a contemporary of Keir Hardie, who famously predicted the abdication of Edward VIII, and was shut down, for asking that parliament add an obituary to the miners who died in a colliery accident, on the day celebrating the new prince’s birth.
A City Full of Creative Talent
The actor Alan Bates was from Derby. Best known for his performance in the film Whistle Down the Wind (which starred Hayley Mills, the script written by her mother Mary Hayley Bell).
It tells the story of three children who come across an escaped convict hiding in their barn. When they ask ‘who are you?’, Alan Bates’ character says ‘Jesus!’ in shock, so believing him to be Him, they bring him food and ask him to preach to them. It’s a wonderful film, and well worth watching.
Just like New York had its own centre of performing arts that inspired the TV series Fame, Saint Benedict Catholic Performing Arts College stands out for anyone who wants to shine on stage or behind the scenes.
Its motto is:
Be who God meant you to be, and set the world on fire!
The Peak District (England’s Oldest National Park)
When out walking, always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
The Peak District was opened back in 1951, after years of campaigning by local people, who were banned from walking near areas owned by rich landowners. It’s one of England’s most popular walking holiday destinations, if only because it’s very accessible to people living in the surrounding counties.
Covering over 550 square miles, this is a Park full of rolling hills, valleys and villages.
Wild Peaks is a journey on foot by travel writer Tom Chesshyre through the Peak District National Park, which is more than the ‘howling wilderness’ that Daniel Defoe described 300 years ago. Designed to let hikers escape from industrial Manchester and Sheffield, this Park is home to ridges of rock, peat, farms, villages, cloughs and taverns.
How has the dramatic landscape fared in the last 75 years? Tom hits the trails on a 363-mile ramble to find out, and to celebrate the symbolic home of hiking. Following winding paths, passing at old inns and mountain huts and meeting a rich cast of historians, mountaineers and publicans.
Two of England’s Privately-Owned Villages
England only has a few private villages, and here you’ll find two of them. One is the pretty village of Tissington, the other is Edensor in the Peak District, built by the former Duke of Derbyshire in Chatsworth Park, to replace the old village was demolished in the 19th century, due to obscuring his view!
Known for its graceful church spire, the village is now owned by a charitable trust. Back in the 60s, it became well-known, when former President John F Kennedy visited his sister’s grave, not long before he was assassinated.
Chesterfield Crooked Spire (Derbyshire’s ‘Tower of Pisa!’)
Chesterfield, Derbyshire, strikes the perfect balance between old-world charm and modern convenience. This vibrant market town sits on the edge of the Peak District, blending rich history, striking architecture, and easy-going local life.
The Church of St Mary and All Saints is known for its twisted spire, one of the most recognisable sights in Derbyshire. Locals treasure it, and visitors come from miles away just to snap a photo.
The church dates to the 14th century and offers guided tours so you can hear the real story behind the spire’s twist.
Despite legends that ‘the devil getting his tail caught or being kicked by a blacksmith etc’, the reason is almost certainly due to green (unseasoned) oak and heavy cladding that has caused the wood to warp and twist as it dries.
The Birthplace of British Sign Language
Many people don’t know that Derby has a deep history with the Deaf community. Local churches and schools opened their doors to the Deaf as early as the 19th century. This led to Derby becoming a centre for British Sign Language, a visual way of speaking that changed many lives.
Thanks to these early efforts, Derby became known as one of the first places in Britain to truly welcome Deaf people, not as outsiders, but as full members of the city. With schools like the Royal School for the Deaf, Derby created a place where Deaf pupils could learn, mix, and grow just like anyone else.
Today, Derby keeps this link strong. The city has regular social clubs, meet-ups, and a long tradition of teaching sign language. Interpreters are often found at city events.
Local shops and public spaces strive to be more accessible. This approach shows how Derby’s heart opens up for every neighbour, no matter their voice or background.
(vegan) Bakewell Tart from Derbyshire
Within Derbyshire’s Peak District sits the town of Bakewell, known for the tart that is said to have been invented by accident in the 19th century. Try these vegan Bakewell Tarts (The Vega Space).
Start with a strong foundation by preparing a vegan shortcrust pastry. Use plain flour, dairy-free margarine (Flora has no palm oil), a pinch of salt, and cold water.
Keep fresh dough away from young children and pets. Read more on food safety for people & pets.
This recipe for vegan Bakewell ice cream (Wallflower Kitchen) is super-simple.
