Chesterfield (Derbyshire’s own ‘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.
Derby (England’s oldest park and smallest cathedral)
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!
