loader image

5 Interesting Facts About Derbyshire

Do you even know Derbyshire at all? Read these facts and find out!

1. Derby’s Arboretum Park

Arboretum Park
Arboretum Park, the first public park in England and inspired New York City’s Central Park

the first Interesting Facts About Derbyshire is on Derby Arboretum, also known as Arboretum Park and The Arboretum, is famous for being England’s first public park. It’s Grade II*-listed and inspired the design of New York’s Central Park.

2. Derby is the site of the world’s first factory!

World's first ever factory
World’s first ever factory

Derby Silk Mill sits on the site of the world’s first factory, built in 1721 by George Sorocold and owned by the Lombe brothers. John Lombe travelled to Italy sometime around 1716 and stole plans for silk manufacturing machinery from mills in Piedmont.

3. Florence Nightingale was originally from Derby!

Florence Nightingale Statue
Florence Nightingale Statue

Born on May 12, 1820, the nursing pioneer spent her early years in Derbyshire, where her family owned a large estate. She became a part of an augmented reality installation, which superimposed a computer-generated image of 10 famous names at locations across Derby city centre.

4.  Derby ‘gave birth’ to Laura Croft

Lara Croft at Lara Croft Way in Derby
Lara Croft at Lara Croft Way in Derby

Video game character Lara Croft, who already has a road named after her in the city, maybe fictional, but the English archaeologist – beloved by millions in games and films – was “born” at Core Design in Derby. Local lad Liam Sharp, meanwhile, whose talent for art was spotted at his school in Derby, is now a British comic book artist, writer and publisher whose fame increased dramatically when he began working in the United States on books including Superman and Batman for DC Comics as well as X-Men, Hulk and Spider-Man for Marvel Comics.

5.  The black and white chequered band on police helmets

British Police Uniform
British Police Uniform

The inventor of the black and white chequered band on police helmets was Chief Constable here. The last Interesting Facts About Derbyshire is on Sir Montague Burton, founder of the Burton retail chain opened his very first store in Chesterfield town centre in 1903. At the time it was called Cross-Tailoring Company but has since changed its name.

Similar Articles Others Viewed

Activities - Arts & Culture
Celebrate Diwali whilst coming together with people from all walks of life at these amazing events!
Activities - Wildlife
Lucky coatis at Drusillas Park in Sussex, were treated to their very own Easter Egg Hunt in celebration of their new home, and to raise awareness for the Park’s Easter fundraiser for local charity Wolo Foundation.
Family - Historical
Lovely apartments with views of the Castle and Shropshire Hills.