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.
17. Exploring the ‘plague village’
Eyam certainly has a unique place in history. It is known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century. If you want to learn more about the Black Death, Eyam is the perfect place to start - with a past unlike any other place in the country. Photo: Jason Chadwick
18. ‘Dambusters’ connection
The RAF's 617 Squadron, who carried out the famous ‘Dambusters Raid’ on the Ruhr Valley in 1943, trained for their mission in the skies over the Derwent Dam - making this a unique place to visit for any history buffs with an interest in the Second World War. Photo: Johnston Press
19. The birthplace of a revolution
One of Chesterfield’s most interesting historical sites is Revolution House - one that I knew nothing about until I moved here. In 1688, three local noblemen – the Earl of Devonshire, the Earl of Danby and Mr John D'Arcy – met there disguised as a hunting party, to begin planning their part in the overthrow of James II. Tours are sadly not available at the moment, as Revolution House is closed - but this remains a fascinating part of the town’s heritage. Photo: Photo © Paul Harrop (cc-by-sa/2.0)
20. Railway heritage
There is plenty in the way of railway heritage in the area. Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving railway roundhouse in the UK with an operational turntable - making it a perfect place to visit for rail enthusiasts. George Stephenson, builder of the first public railway line in the world to use steam locomotives, also leased Chesterfield’s Grade II* listed Tapton House from 1832 until his death in 1848. Photo: Rachel Atkins