DISCOVER

DERBY

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DERBY HERITAGE WALK 1

VIII.  Continue along the footpath by the Inner Ring Road for a few yards and then go to the right to walk alongside the Markeaton Brook, turning left at the end and then right into Mill Street, past St John’s Church (pictured).

At the end of Mill Street, turn left along Brick Street. Use the pedestrian crossings to reach the other side of Friar Gate and go to the right for a few yards. Then walk a short distance up Uttoxeter Old Road and take the first turn on your left.

18. THE HEADLESS CROSS

A medieval cross without a shaft, it was transferred to the Arboretum when the cattle market moved from Friar Gate in 1861, but 118 years later it was returned to its original position. During the plague, the hollow in the top of the stone was filled with vinegar, which acted as a form of disinfectant when coins were immersed. 

19. VERNON STREET PRISON

The last public hanging took place here in 1862 and the last judicial execution in 1907. In the 18th and 19th centuries, public executions attracted a great deal of attention and came to be regarded by some members of the community as a ‘good day out.’ Crowds flocked from outlying villages; some even came by train to watch the victims being brought from the prison on to the scaffold for their execution. The more notorious the criminal, the bigger the crowd.  At first executions took place in the middle of the road at the far end of Friar Gate and then in front of the Old County Gaol, which later became the Howard Hotel. In 1827, the new County Gaol opened at the end of Vernon Street. The name changed to HM Prison Derby in 1886. All that remains of the former prison is its façade; the rest has been taken over by an office and housing development.

IX.  Walk down Vernon Street and go to the right along Friar Gate with its collection of fine Georgian houses.

20. PICKFORD’S HOUSE

A handsome Grade I listed building, built in 1769 by Derby architect, Joseph Pickford for his own occupation. Purchased in 1982 by Derby Museum, it was opened as a museum six years later.

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PLACES TO VISIT ON THIS WALK

 Derby Cathedral (01332 341201) dominates the skyline with its impressive Perpendicular Tower, the second highest in England to the Boston Stump. Light and spacious inside, the iron screen by Robert Bakewell is an inspirational masterpiece in this proud and beautiful building. Concerts and special events take place throughout the year. Open daily.

The Silk Mill – Derby’s Museum of Industry and History (01332 255308) was the first factory in England where all the processes were carried out under one roof and utilising one source of power and is now a World Heritage site. It has now been converted into a museum where you can discover the facts about Rolls-Royce aero-engines, the history of railways and coal mines and much more. Open daily apart from during the Christmas and New Year Break.

 Pickford’s House Museum (01332 255363) housed in a handsome Grade I listed building, built in 1769 by Derby architect, Joseph Pickford for his own occupation. It was opened as a museum in 1988 and delightfully recreates a scene of Georgian domestic life with splendidly furnished rooms and fine costume displays. Open daily apart from during the Christmas and New Year break.

REFRESHMENTS

Derby Cathedral Coffee Shop, (tel. 01332 381685) located opposite the Cathedral Centre, offers an award winning cafe  and Gift Shop, selling local produce, a display of the Treasures of the Cathedral, a Biblical Garden and an Education Centre. The Coffee Shop serves light lunches, sandwiches, cakes and a wide range of teas and coffees. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30-4.30pm.

**The Coffee Shop, won Best Tea/Coffee Shop  in the 2004 Derbyshire Food and Drinks Awards.

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