Chesterfield street names could be changed amid slavery row

Chesterfield Borough Council leader, Councillor Tricia Gilby, announced the review last week amid an international campaign to topple all monuments to slave traders.

The calls were sparked by the removal of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol during anti-racism protests over the death of George Floyd in America.

An initial ‘desktop review’ of monuments and statues within Chesterfield borough has now been completed.

MORE: 'No reason' to remove historic statues and street names in Chesterfield amid slavery row

The review has found all to have local historical connections, particularly with the mining industry, trade unionism and railway engineering.

There are also a number of war memorials.

Councillor Gilby said: “The monuments and statues we have identified are a valuable part of our heritage and commemorate individuals, organisations and historical events which have helped to shape our great borough. They have formed a valuable part of our townscape for many years and will continue to do so.”

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However, the council admits that reviewing street names will be more ‘challenging’.

A council statement said the authority had already ‘received a number of representations about street names and has started to look at this’.

“Research is needed to identify why particular names were chosen and their historical context,” the statement adds.

“Following this review, if any street names require further consideration the Public Health Act 1925 includes provisions for street naming and street re-naming. However, there is a lengthy and detailed legal process to complete.

“A key part of the process includes consultation with residents and businesses on the street or road.”

In other parts of the country, there have been calls to remove statues connected to Scouts’ founder Robert Baden-Powell – who has been linked to the Nazis – and there is a Baden Powell Road in Chesterfield.

Philip Riden, chair of Chesterfield Civic Society, said: “Baden Powell's only connection with Chesterfield was that his wife Olave was the daughter of Harold Soames, the owner of Brampton Brewery.

“They lived at West House on West Bars and later at Stubbing Court in Wingerworth. The brewery was roughly where Matalan is today on Chatsworth Road.”

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