Chesterfield in the 1950s

Chesterfield in the 1950s

What Chesterfield looked like when Queen Elizabeth II first came to the throne

At a time of reflection on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign, we have been searching our picture archives for images of Chesterfield from the time she first took to the throne in the early 1950s. Here are some of the images captured on film seven decades ago.

By Brian Eyre

Published 20th Sep 2022, 14:55 BST

Updated 20th Sep 2022, 14:57 BST

Some of the sights are familiar to this day, others less so.

MORE NOSTALGIA: 25 photos to take you back to Chesterfield in the seventies

Pictures have come from our own archives, along with images from Chesterfield Library’s local studies collection.

One of the town's major employers, this image shows Bryan Donkins works in 1952.

1. Bryan Donkins

One of the town's major employers, this image shows Bryan Donkins works in 1952. Photo: Chesterfield Library\R Wilsher

This 1950s vierw of Chesterfield town centre shows shops and the corner of the market

2. Market

This 1950s vierw of Chesterfield town centre shows shops and the corner of the market Photo: R Wilsher

The view from Tube Works chimney looking north over Bryan Donkins works in the 1950s.

3. Industry

The view from Tube Works chimney looking north over Bryan Donkins works in the 1950s. Photo: Chesterfield Library\JohnOCannam

Hasland Hall 1950s

4. Hasland Hall

Hasland Hall 1950s Photo: Chesterfield Library\Nadin

Chesterfield Nostalgia