From Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire to the beautiful scenery of the Peak District National Park, there is plenty to love about the county – which is filled with unique attractions and historic landmarks.
As an outsider, I’ve been acclimatising to life here gradually – and have put together a list of some of the things that I’ve learnt since moving to Derbyshire.
9. Derbyshire’s flooded villages
The fascinating tale of Derbyshire’s flooded villages was something I knew very little about until moving here. When water levels at Ladybower Reservoir are low, walkers may be able to catch a glimpse of Derwent - a village that was flooded as part of the creation of the reservoir. Derwent and nearby Ashopton (pictured here) were small villages but had tight-knit communities - and Ashopton’s inn was a popular stop on the route between Sheffield and Glossop. In spite of fierce local opposition, each building in the two villages was bought compulsorily by the Derwent Valley Water Board. Residents of both villages were moved to Bamford and their homes demolished, before the area was flooded in 1945 Photo: DT
10. Derbyshire dialect
One thing that I noticed was how drastically the dialect can change after moving just 10 miles away. You certainly don’t hear ‘ey up mi duck’ anywhere else, and while it hasn’t crept into my own vernacular just yet, I do quite like this term of endearment! Photo: jason chadwick
11. Medieval football
This ancient tradition was something that I had absolutely no idea about until I began working in Derbyshire. Thousands of players took part in the latest addition of the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide football game – which is said to date back to medieval times. Shrovetide ball games have been played since at least the 12th century – during the reign of King Henry II. While it is legal to kick, carry or throw the ball, it generally moves through the town in a series of hugs, like a giant rugby scrum, made up of hundreds of people. Perhaps I’ll have to go and join next year’s game! Photo: Getty Images - Christopher Furlong
12. Beer
There are some superb breweries across Chesterfield and Derbyshire - making it a great place to live if you like sampling the latest local drops. Thornbridge Brewery and Brampton Brewery stand out for me, but there are plenty more in each corner of the county. Photo: GC Britains