Derbyshire history

Evidence of Prehistoric existence has been found in the limestone caves at Cresswell Craggs. There are numerous Bronze Age burial burrows and stone circles. The largest and better preserved being at Arbor Low, south-east of Buxton. In the 1st and 2nd centuries the Roman armies controlled the area and established their stronghold at what is now known as Little Chester.

Two centuries later the Romans left and the area came under the rule of the Saxons, as part of their Kingdom of Mercia. The Saxons developed this area having created a settlement nearby, which is now known as Markeaton.

Facts regarding Derby collected by the commissioners of William the Conqueror are recorded in the Domesday Book. Large areas of land of what now constitutes Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire were granted to William Peveril.

The 18th century saw the rise of the Industrial Revolution and many renowned Derbyshire Industrialists, such as Arkwright, emerged. They created the turning point from what was until then a largely rural economy, to the development of townships based on factory production methods. Mining has long been a part of Derbyshire life over the years.