DISCOVER

DERBY

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DERBY HERITAGE WALK 1

X.  Continue under Friar Gate Bridge and down Friar Gate to the Wardwick and turn left along Cheapside. Follow the road round into Bold Lane, crossing where it is safe to do so, and make your way to St Mary’s Gate, once very much the legal quarter of Derby, and still the home of a number of long established legal practices.

21. FRIAR GATE BRIDGE

An ornate cast iron railway bridge, erected in 1878, against fierce local opposition claiming that it would spoil the character of Friar Gate, now Derby’s premier conservation area. Built to serve Friar Gate Station, by the well-known Derby Engineering Firm of Andrew Handyside and Company Limited, it saw its last train in 1967 and after that was abandoned. Proposals to demolish the bridge met just as much opposition as the proposals to build met in the 1870s!

22. THE FRIARY HOTEL

Built on the former site of a Dominican monastery, in the 18th century by Samuel Crompton the banker, the right and left wings having been added to the central part in 1769 and 1880 respectively. It became the Friary Hotel in 1922.  

23. THE SHIRE HALL

The Assizes were held here from 1660-1971, when it became a Crown Court, before losing its status in 1989 with the opening of the much larger Crown Court building in the Morledge. The Shire Hall itself was built in 1659, the King’s Arms in 1798 to provide refreshment to those involved in the Assizes and in addition Judge’s Lodgings were built.  

 24. TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE 

The starting point of the walk.

 XI.  Once you reach the top of St Mary’s Gate, if you still have the time why not visit the Cathedral Visitor Centre and Café, which is on the southern corner of the street before walking down Iron Gate to the Market Place and the starting point of this walk.

       Heritage Walk Map       Return to Page 6

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PLACES TO VISIT ON THIS WALK

 Derby Cathedral (01332 341201) dominates the skyline with its impressive Perpendicular Tower, the second highest in England to the Boston Stump. Light and spacious inside, the iron screen by Robert Bakewell is an inspirational masterpiece in this proud and beautiful building. Concerts and special events take place throughout the year. Open daily.

The Silk Mill – Derby’s Museum of Industry and History (01332 255308) was the first factory in England where all the processes were carried out under one roof and utilising one source of power and is now a World Heritage site. It has now been converted into a museum where you can discover the facts about Rolls-Royce aero-engines, the history of railways and coal mines and much more. Open daily apart from during the Christmas and New Year Break.

 Pickford’s House Museum (01332 255363) housed in a handsome Grade I listed building, built in 1769 by Derby architect, Joseph Pickford for his own occupation. It was opened as a museum in 1988 and delightfully recreates a scene of Georgian domestic life with splendidly furnished rooms and fine costume displays. Open daily apart from during the Christmas and New Year break.

REFRESHMENTS

Derby Cathedral Coffee Shop, (tel. 01332 381685) located opposite the Cathedral Centre, offers an award winning cafe  and Gift Shop, selling local produce, a display of the Treasures of the Cathedral, a Biblical Garden and an Education Centre. The Coffee Shop serves light lunches, sandwiches, cakes and a wide range of teas and coffees. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30-4.30pm.

**The Coffee Shop, won Best Tea/Coffee Shop  in the 2004 Derbyshire Food and Drinks Awards.

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